Patriots’ new DT Danny Shelton has been learning from Vince Wilfork this offseason

Scott Galvin | USA TODAY Sports

Vince Wilfork will go down in New England Patriots’ history as one of the organization’s best players, and newcomer Danny Shelton is getting the opportunity to learn from the man himself.

“For me, Wilfork is someone that I still look up to, even when he was with the Texans,” Shelton said. “I got an opportunity to reach out to him, kind of pick his brain and learn a couple tips from him. He’s been really responsive. He’s been a guy that’s been really helpful this offseason. I’m looking forward to reaching out and learning more from him.”

Shelton was acquired in a trade with the Cleveland Browns earlier this month and believes it was his agent, Jeff Sperbeck, who connected him with Wilfork. What better way to adjust to the Patriots’ system than to hear from one of the greats, himself? A long-time fan of Wilfork’s, Shelton hopes to continue to build on their connection.

“He had me reach out to him this offseason not knowing that I was going to be traded; just to kind of hear from a great defensive tackle,” Shelton said. “Now that I’m a New England Patriot, it just seems even more welcoming to learn from one of the greatest New England Patriots.”

The team will look to the 6-foot-2, 339-pound Shelton for help in the run defense that struggled mightily this past year – surrendering 4.7 yards per carry and ranking 31st in the NFL. This coming season, New England will have Shelton, Malcom Brown, Lawrence Guy, Vincent Valentine and Adam Butler for a more powerful foundation.

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