Should the Patriots Bring in Veteran Depth at Defensive Tackle?

If all goes according to plan, the Patriots will open the season with Vince Wilfork and Tommy Kelly as their starters at defensive tackle. It's a combination that has the potential to be the best DT tandem the team has had in some time, as Kelly is a far more disruptive player than past options like Kyle Love.

However, things rarely go according to plan in the NFL, as injuries are an inevitability in football. As good as Wilfork and Kelly are, both are big bodies who have played ten seasons of NFL football. Even if they make it through the year intact, the Pats would be well served to have some capable backups who can give the big guys a breather and keep them fresh.

Depth is where the DT situation gets a little dicey. With Armond Armstead still unavailable (and a huge question mark), the team is left with few proven prospects inside. Marcus Forston has shown promise following a year on the practice squad in 2012, but he is the only true defensive tackle that has distinguished himself this preseason. Defensive ends Justin Francis and Marcus Benard have flashed at times rushing from the inside, but they lack the size to hold up against the run as true DTs.

This begs to question whether the Pats might peruse the free agent market for some veteran depth. It certainly wouldn't be without precedent, as Coach Belichick has often made under-the-radar signings in August that prove impactful come November. Remember, it was midway through the 2003 preseason that the signing of aging nose tackle Ted Washington transformed the Pats from a good to a great defense; one that would help the team win its second Super Bowl.

Of course, there are no superstars available on the market in August, but Patriots fans might be surprised to see some solid options out there. One is former Jet Sione Pouha. The massive (listed at 6'3" and 325 pounds) tackle was cut by the cap-strapped Jets after missing time with a back strain last year. The fact that he's 34 and coming off of an injury explain while the big Samoan is on the market, but Pouha is a load when healthy. It might be worth kicking his tires to see what he has left physically.

Other options on the free agent market include former Texan Shaun Cody, former Lion Corey Williams and former Raven Ma'ake Kemoeatu. None of the three are stars, but all have been productive NFL players who could bring some beef up front to help Forston spell Wilfork and Kelly. They could also step in should one of the starters miss any time with injury.

Kemoeatu is a particularly intriguing option, as he started last year for the Super Bowl-winning Ravens (Man, do I hate typing that). At 6'5" and 345 pounds (he actually lost 78 pounds last year to get down to his svelte playing weight), Kemoeatu is a prototypical space eater in the middle who could be a solid pickup against the run. Like Pouha, Kemoeatu is already into his 30s, but he could provide some valuable insurance in a reserve role.

Of course, an ideal situation for Patriots fans could be the return of Richard Seymour. Unfortunately, Seymour seems content of move into retirement if he doesn't receive the kind of payday and role he is looking for, and neither would be available in New England. It's a shame, as Seymour is still a very good, disruptive force inside. If he chose to swallow his pride and return to his old stomping grounds of Foxborough, he would team up with Kelly and Wilfork to form a terrifying group of tackles.

In considering these options, it's important to consider that the market could look very different in two weeks when teams cut their rosters down to 53 players. It's possible that a good player could wind up available for cheap at that point, which could make a valuable addition to this years club.

Who would you like to see the Pats bring in at DT? Or are you content with the team's current rotation? Throw out your suggestions in the comments.