If Milton Williams can remain healthy, the Patriots have a defensive difference-maker in the middle for the next few years.
If Milton Williams can remain healthy, the Patriots have a defensive difference-maker in the middle for the next few years.Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff
Sixth in a series | Earlier:quarterbacks |running backs |tight ends |offensive line |wide receivers
In his first season with the Patriots, defensive tackle Milton Williams emerged as one of the most impactful free agent signings in recent franchise history.
Williams was exactly what the Patriots needed: tough, smart, dependable, and accountable in every way. He wasn’t the only reason that New England went 12-0 out of the gate when both he and Christian Gonzalez were in the lineup, but it certainly wasn’t a coincidence. Williams was one of the most dominant big men in recent franchise history, a tone-setter who brought size, versatility, and an attitude up front that hasn’t been seen since the days of Vince Wilfork.
Williams, Christian Barmore, and Khyiris Tonga dominated opponents’ ground games through the first half of the season. No opposing running back broke the 50-yard barrier in a game until November. When the three were healthy, they formed an impenetrable run-stuffing unit. Williams was out for a stretch toward the end of the season with an ankle issue, which allowed others such as youngster Cory Durden to earn meaningful snaps and gain valuable experience.
Moving forward, Tonga is an unrestricted free agent, and Barmore’s legal situation might spark questions about his future in New England. But Williams remains the focal point. If he can remain healthy, the Patriots have a defensive difference-maker in the middle for the next few years. The only thing the front office needs to do is fill in around him.
Currently on the roster (regular-season stats): Milton Williams (29 total tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 8 quarterback hits, 3.5 sacks), Christian Barmore (29 total tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 11 quarterbacks hits, 2 sacks), Cory Durden (30 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1 quarterback hit), Khyiris Tonga (24 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 quarterback hits), Joshua Farmer (15 total tackles, 1 tackle for loss, ended the season on injured reserve), Eric Gregory (8 total tackles, ended the season on IR), Isaiah Iton (ended the season on IR), Jaquelin Roy (ended the season on IR), Jeremiah Pharms (3 total tackles, 1 tackle for loss — practice squad), Leonard Taylor (8 total tackles, 1 quarterback hit — practice squad).
Notable free agents
No elite names here, but there’s a lot of talented complementary players to choose from, especially if you include traditional defensive ends in a 3-4 set. Calais Campbell is still producing into his late 30s, and he remains one of the most well-respected players in the league. He’d represent more of a culture signing than anything, but he could still be part of a solid rotation. If the Patriots were to go after after DaQuan Jones, they’d not only upgrade the interior, they’d weaken the rival Bills.
Signing free agent DaQuan Jones (92) would come at the expense of the rival Bills.
Signing free agent DaQuan Jones (92) would come at the expense of the rival Bills.David Richard/Associated Press
Tier 1: Calais Campbell (43 total tackles, 6.5 sacks. 2 passes defensed), David Onyemata (62 total tackles, one sack), Sheldon Rankins (35 total tackles, 3 sacks, 5 tackles for loss, 9 quarterback hits), John Franklin-Myers (25 total tackles, 7.5 sacks, 6 tackles for loss, 15 quarterback hits).
Tier 2: Christian Wilkins (17 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 6 quarterback hits), D.J. Reader (28 tackles, 4 quarterback hits), DaQuan Jones (212 total tackles, 3 sacks, 8 quarterback hits, 3 tackles for loss).
Draft possibilities
Clemson’s Peter Woods not only is an accomplished defensive tackle, he has experience as a fullback as well, rushing for a pair of touchdowns last season. Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald, who doesn’t turn 21 until this month, is an impressive run stuffer with a high ceiling. Texas Tech’s Lee Hunter is a classic bull rusher who wins with power. And Iowa State’s Domonique Orange is a big man with a great nickname — “Big Citrus” — who can deliver a jolt to any defense.
Ohio State run stuffer Kayden McDonald has a high ceiling.
Ohio State run stuffer Kayden McDonald has a high ceiling.Doug McSchooler/Associated Press
Day 1: Peter Woods (Clemson), Kayden McDonald (Ohio State), Lee Hunter (Texas Tech), Dontay Corleone (Cincinnati).
Day 2: Caleb Banks (Florida), Gracen Halton (Oklahoma), Christen Miller (Georgia), Domonique Orange (Iowa State), Darrell Jackson (Florida State).
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Christopher Price can be reached at christopher.price@globe.com. Follow him on Bluesky at christopherprice.bsky.social.