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D-line snapshot

(Seventh in a series of position snapshots leading into Patriots training camp, July 28)

Defensive line

STARTERS (in 3-4 alignment): DE Ty Warren (4th year), NT Vince Wilfork (3rd year), DE Richard Seymour (6th year)

RESERVES: DE Kader Drame (rookie), DE Jarvis Green (5th year), DE Marquise Hill (3rd year), NT Le Kevin Smith (rookie), NT/DE Johnathan Sullivan (4th year), NT/DE Santonio Thomas (1st year), NT/DE Mike Wright (2nd year)

2005 DEFENSIVE LINE: Warren, Wilfork, Seymour, Green, Hill, Wright, Dan Klecko*

2006 ROSTER LOCKS: Warren, Wilfork, Seymour, Green

OUTLOOK: Different lines are asked to do different things around the NFL, and the Patriots’ starting group is solid at its responsibilities. While teams like the Colts have their linemen penetrate, which often leads to high sack totals, the Patriots’ line is generally asked to control gaps, play angles and win the physical battle on the line of scrimmage. They might not be mentioned as an elite group in fantasy-football type discussion, but for the Patriots’ system, they are the foundation for success. A subtle change to take note of in training camp is a possible position switch for Marquise Hill, a 2004 second-round pick who has yet to emerge. He had been working behind Richard Seymour, but could be moving to the other side, behind Warren. Jarvis Green fits best as a rush end when the team goes to the 4-3, but can also hold his own in the 3-4 for shorter spells. The battle for the backup nose tackle spot figures to be most competitive, with players from opposite ends of the spectrum in the mix –- former first-round pick Johnathan Sullivan, rookie sixth-rounder Le Kevin Smith and unsung second-year man Mike Wright, who entered the league as a free agent. Wright, a solid tactician who takes nothing for granted, could also see some time at end. Drame and Thomas would appear to be longer shots. The Patriots also have the personnel to switch to a 4-3 at any point, which was seen as part of their June minicamp work.

QUOTE OF NOTE: “We definitely have the potential to consistently be one of the elite [lines]. It can be hard to compare, because the style we play might be different than other teams. Or there's the new school vs. the old school [from past eras] and it's kind of hard to bridge that gap and determine who is better. If we put in the work, I don't see why not. We have the talent, the work ethic, the coaches. We have all the ingredients, now it's a matter of putting it on the field, week in and week out, consistently." –- Richard Seymour (Boston Globe, May 26, 2006)

(*Dan Klecko will be listed with the linebacker group after working more with that position in June’s minicamp.)