Roster: Christian Barmore, David Blay, Cory Durden, Josh Farmer, Eric Gregory, Jeremiah Pharms, Travis Shaw, Leonard Taylor III, Milton Williams
Analysis: The interior defensive line is one of the strengths of the Patriots defense and it all starts with the dominating play of Milton Williams and Christian Barmore. The defensive tackles combined for just 5.5 sacks in 2025 but delivered 87 combined QB pressures according to Next Gen Stats as they consistently harassed quarterbacks despite Williams missing five games. The duo was the key feature in New England's revamped defense.
Williams and Barmore are back, but the defense will look for depth contributions from some of the breakthrough players from last year. Replacing the production of nose tackle Khyiris Tonga, who signed in the offseason with the Chiefs, is a key question but Cory Durden looks to be next in line to round out the top trio after a breakout season.
After stops with the Rams and Giants in which he played eight total games in two years, Durden played in all 20 for the Patriots in 2025, showing up with five tackles for loss and adding two quarterback hits in the playoffs.
Leonard Taylor III was another feel-good story of 2025, as "Lenny T" emerged from the practice squad and made significant contributions down the stretch that included a blocked field goal against the Broncos in the AFC Championship.
Eric Gregory is another '25 practice squadder who saw some action, dressing for six games in his rookie season, while Jeremiah Pharms continues to find ways to stick around as he enters his fourth season with the Patriots, one of the few remaining players with connections back to Bill Belichick. Pharms has made the most of his opportunities over the years but appeared in just three games in 2025 after playing in 18 combined the previous two seasons.
Joshua Farmer missed the end of his rookie season due to injury, but he might be the most intriguing unknown in this position group. The fourth-round pick played 224 defensive snaps and started three times, flashing power that could blossom in his second year.
Undrafted rookies David Blay Jr.(6-2, 292) and Travis Shaw (6-5, 334) round out the group and offer some additional heft. Shaw's size could help him earn an early-down role.
Bottom Line: Williams and Barmore form one of the league's best interior duos. They will test any offensive line, but beyond them, training camp should offer a great opportunity for competition. If young players like Durden and Farmer continue their trajectory, any questions about depth will be answered. Joint practices against the dominating offensive lines of the Colts and Eagles will be excellent tests for those trying to earn a rotational spot. Don't rule out a veteran free agent addition here later in camp, even after final cuts.
DISCLAIMER: The views and thoughts expressed in this article are those of the writer and don't necessarily reflect those of the organization. Read Full Disclaimer
