– Back in a familiar defense, free-agent addition Harold Landry flashed a few times rushing off the edge. Despite having nine sacks, Landry’s pass-rush metrics took a dip in Tennessee a year ago, but the hope is it was mostly scheme-related. Now, the Boston College product is back in a defense where he thrived as a Pro Bowl-caliber player under Vrabel.
– DE Keion White is my biggest “X” factor for the Patriots defense. He fits well in an aggressive, gaming front that allows him to rush from a three-point stance over the tackle rather than outside the tackle in a two-point stance. White could blossom in this defense, especially playing off Barmore and Williams on the inside.
– Another area worth monitoring in camp is how the Patriots will handle situational pass-rush opportunities. Will they sub an early-down edge setter off for pass-rush specialists such as Chaisson or fifth-rounder Bradyn Swinson? Will they utilize linebackers in roles on the line of scrimmage in a more five-man rush front? It will be interesting to see how the coaching staff handles those situations, with the hope that Swinson makes an impression in padded practices.
– With LB Jahlani Tavai reportedly suffering a calf injury, linebackers Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss were constants on the second level of the Patriots defense. Spillane’s instincts, processing and motor make him a nice pairing behind a playmaking defensive line. The communication seemed good as well, with Spillane possibly wearing the green dot.
– When padded practices begin this summer, the Pats interior D-Line and off-ball linebacker depth will be a sneaky area to watch. Barmore, Williams, White, Landry, and Spillane are projected starters. But there isn’t a real feel yet for what’s behind them. LB Jack Gibbens had a good moment in Tuesday’s practice when he carried WR Javon Baker on a deep route, while fourth-rounder Joshua Farmer’s length stood out on a few occasions with batted passes.
– All-Pro CB Christian Gonzalez was the Patriots best player this spring. His silky smooth interception was a jaw-dropping highlight on Tuesday, with Gonzalez staying over the top of Williams’s route to reel in the deep pass attempt by Maye. Gonzo made a similarly ridiculous pick in the first open spring practice in deep zone coverage. The third-year pro was locking down his side of the field, with free-agent addition Carlton Davis consistently manning the opposite CB spot in minicamp practices.
– The other unknown for the Patriots defense is how they’ll defend the slot under Vrabel. The Pats brass has noted that the “big” slot is featured more in this defense, with corners Alex Austin, Marcellas Dial, and Isaiah Bolden taking reps inside, as well as New England’s safeties (we saw Peppers in the slot at times). That said, CB Marcus Jones will likely still have a role in this defense. Jones made a great late pass breakup in the back of the end zone on Tuesday, playing a strappy brand of man coverage that pairs well with Davis and Gonzalez. My guess is that the slot will be game-plan and situation-dependent, with the role evolving each week.
– S Kyle Dugger (ankle) is working his way back from offseason surgery, so we mainly saw Peppers and Jaylinn Hawkins at safety. Fourth-rounder Craig Woodson also had a nice spring.
– We’ll see what it looks like with a live rush and when the pressure is on in games, but rookie K Andy Borregales was 19-for-20 on field goals in five open practices. After the team drafted him in the sixth round, Borregales has looked the part so far.