Earlier this week, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel emphasized the pivotal role of the team’s front seven this season, pointing to the significant investment made to bolster that unit.
“I think that’s got to be a strength for us this year, that front seven,” said the coach, a former 14-year NFL linebacker himself. “We certainly invested in that position, and I like how they’re competing.
Of the 14 new faces the Patriots signed during free agency, eight came on the defensive side of the ball. Six of those play in the front seven: DT Milton Williams, DE K’Lavon Chaisson, DT Khyiris Tonga, OLB Robert Spillane, EDGE Harold Landry, and LB Jack Gibbens.