FOXBORO — Vince Wilfork is long gone from the defensive line via an offseason signing with the Texans, and with him went the unquestioned leader of the unit and maybe the defense as a whole.
So when the Pats drafted defensive tackle Malcom Brown in the first round in April, some saw him as an heir apparent of sorts to a linchpin of the defensive line. But there really is no way to replace Wilfork’s leadership with one person, and to expect it from a rookie is unrealistic.
“A leader?” Brown said when asked if he’s become one.