FOXBORO — The Patriots found a diamond in the rough when they signed Cory Durden to their practice squad before the season.
Durden, 26, has already played a career-high 221 defensive snaps for the Patriots this season. He’s especially stood out as a pass rusher while taking on more snaps since starter Milton Williams was placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury after Week 10.
The 6-foot-4, 305-pounder ranks fifth in PFF’s pass-rushing grade, among defensive tackles, with an 82.7 mark. He’s registered 11 hurries in just 221 defensive snaps.
It’s not entirely surprising given Durden’s pedigree as a former four-star recruit out of Newberry (Fla.) High School, where he even played some tight end, catching 22 passes for 219 yards with three touchdowns.
Durden was a standout as a sophomore at Florida State in 2019 before transferring to N.C State. He was named first-team All-ACC in 2021 but went undrafted following the 2022 season.
Prior to joining the Patriots, Durden spent time with the Lions, Rams and Giants. He found a nice fit in New England after getting cut by the Giants out of training camp and was quickly promoted to the 53-man roster.
Learn more about Durden in this week’s installment of our New Patriots series.
New England Patriots defensive tackle Cory Durden (94) before a NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Q: What’s your first football memory?
Watching my cousin (Ja’len Parks), actually. We went to Florida State together. But I was a kid, I remember watching him and going home, telling my mom I wanted to play.
Q: How much older is he than you?
Like a year.
Q: What’s your top high school football memory?
That’s a hard one. Probably my senior year. We came back in the state semis. We were down three touchdowns. Came back and won. Probably that one.
Q: Top college football memory?
I had three sacks against Virginia my junior year. That was when I was at Florida State. I actually had two sacks against Clemson at NC State my first year there and we won that game in overtime. That might be the one.
Q: Do you have fonder memories at NC State or Florida State?
NC State.
Q: What made NC State so special?
I was just older. I really had a lot more time on my hands. The team, we were a lot more connected. I don’t know, it was just an older group. So, I love those guys. Still keep up with a lot of them.
Q: What would you be doing if you weren’t a football player?
Farming.
Q: Did you grow up on a farm?
I did.
Q: Who’s your favorite athlete growing up?
LeBron James.
Q: Do you have a favorite movie?
“Avatar,” the first one.
Q: Who have you been closest with on the team so far?
That’s hard to say. I’m an open book. I’m pretty cool with everybody. (The whole defensive line.)
Q: I know you haven’t been here that long, but what do you like the most about the New England region so far?
People are nice. I’ve run into a lot of nice people.
Q: Is there a player across the league you feel is underrated or under-appreciated?
I’d probably say Kobie Turner from (the Rams). I was there with him in my career. He’s one of my close friends. I think he’s a really good player and doesn’t get a lot of recognition for it.
Q: Do you have a hidden talent?
I’m good at basketball.
Q: Did you play in high school?
I did. All four years.
Q: Is there a topic you know more about than anyone else in the locker room?
It’s hard to say. I feel like I don’t know. Maybe farming. Probably farming and hunting, but we got some people who are from the country on the team.