Much-Improved Patriots Position Group Might Feel Certain Way About These Rankings

Mike Vrabel might’ve just gained some bulletin-board material for when the New England Patriots return from summer break.

Arguably no position group in New England received the influx of talent the Patriots defensive line did this offseason. Eliot Wolf and company signed defensive tackle Milton Williams, one of the top players on the open market, to a massive contract. All signs point to a healthy resurgence for defensive tackle Christian Barmore, too. Add in offseason signee Khyiris Tonga and the Patriots could have three starters they didn’t have last season, in part due to Barmore dealing with blood clots.

However, New England’s defensive front doesn’t seem to be gaining as much attention around the league.

The Patriots did not have a single player included in ESPN’s defensive tackle rankings entering the 2025 campaign. The story included a top-10 list, five additional honorable mentions and six players who received votes. In total, there were 21 defensive tackles mentioned by executives, coaches and scouts.

Williams not included was perhaps the biggest surprise given Barmore’s limited time in 2024.

The Patriots also did not have a single representative in ESPN’s edge rusher rankings published Wednesday. That group also included a top-10 list, four honorable mentions and seven others who received votes resulting in an identical total of 21 players.

It wasn’t as much of a surprise to see the Patriots lack representation on that list, though Harold Landry III and Keion White might feel differently.

While the Patriots took steps toward improvement this offseason, it’s clear Vrabel and company still have plenty to prove.