Why the Patriots could be interested in a DT
I know what you're probably thinking, the Patriots already have Vince Wilfork who was honored with being elected to the first team All-Pro team this year. However, with Wilfork logging more defensive snaps over the past two seasons than any other DT in the league, maybe the Pats should look into finding a younger player who could give the 6 ft 2 in, 325 lb all-pro a break here and there. It would also give Wilfork a young guy to mentor as well as somebody he could be paired up with on the line if the situation called for it.
ESPNBoston.com writer Field Yates recently blogged about the Pats possibly exploring the idea of acquiring a young DT. Apparently, NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah believes that Ohio State's junior DT Jonathan Hankins could be a great fit for the Patriots with the 29th draft pick. At 6ft 3in and 322 lbs, he is very similar in size/build to Wilfork. Also, in addition to giving Kyle Love and Brandon Deaderick some reps at DT, the Pats recently signed CFL star Armond Armstead so apparently has a great amount of potential. The Patriots ranked 6th in the NFL in rush defense, but seemed to lag in that department towards the end of the season.
