Draft Preview: Patriots need help on the D-line

A continuing series looking at how the Patriots could fill need positions through the NFL Draft, April 25-27.

The Patriots defensive line has changed more than any other defensive unit this offseason.

First, the Patriots lost Trey Flowers, who made his impact both inside and on the edge. Then starting defensive tackle Malcom Brown departed for New Orleans and Danny Shelton remains a free agent. The Pats added Mike Pennel, but don’t be surprised if they add [...]

A continuing series looking at how the Patriots could fill need positions through the NFL Draft, April 25-27.

The Patriots defensive line has changed more than any other defensive unit this offseason.

First, the Patriots lost Trey Flowers, who made his impact both inside and on the edge. Then starting defensive tackle Malcom Brown departed for New Orleans and Danny Shelton remains a free agent. The Pats added Mike Pennel, but don’t be surprised if they add another defensive tackle in the upcoming draft.

Pennel is a stout run defender. He’ll work well next to Lawrence Guy. The Patriots also have Adam Butler, David Parry and Frank Herron in the fold. They could use another interior pass rusher or run stopper to help ease the loss of Flowers. One player won’t replace him (not even newly acquired defensive end Michael Bennett), but the right pairings would go a long way.

Roster locks at this position are Guy (signed for two years), Pennel (signed for two years) and Butler (a restricted free agent next year). Adding a young player on a cheaper four-year deal would help with the long-term depth as well.

The last time the Patriots lost their defensive line anchor (Vince Wilfork), they drafted Brown in the first round. He turned into a starter from the get-go. This draft is very deep with defensive linemen. The Pats will have a lot of options — especially in the first couple of rounds. It’s quite possible they could land an impact player to help their defense.

The Patriots currently hold 12 draft picks, in every round expect the fifth. Here’s a look at some candidates:

First round: Jerry Tillery, Notre Dame

Tillery is one of many talented defensive tackles in this draft. He’s massive, at 6-foot-6, 295 pounds. Last season, he turned into a solid pass rusher finishing with eight sacks. A second-team All-American, he also had 10.5 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and two blocked kicks on special teams. The Patriots met with Tillery at the NFL Combine and were at his Pro Day.

Second round: Dre’Mont Jones, Ohio State

At 6-3, 288 pounds, Jones is an undersized interior pass rusher. He was very productive at Ohio State, making 43 tackles, 13.5 for loss and 8.5 sacks. That earned him first-team All-Big Ten and All-American honors. Jones is extremely athletic and a tough matchup for interior offensive linemen. The Patriots met with Jones at the Combine and were at his Pro Day.

Third round: Isaiah Buggs, Alabama

Nicknamed “Big Pooh,” Buggs is a 6-3, 306-pounder who played end in college, but will likely move to the inside in the pros. Last season, he led Alabama with 9.5 sacks to go with 51 tackles, 13.5 for loss, three pass breakups and two forced fumble. That earned him All-American and second-team All-SEC honors. Bill Belichick was at Alabama’s Pro Day.

Fourth round: Trysten Hill, Central Florida

Hill’s athletic for his 6-3, 308-pound frame and had a solid Combine. He had some maturity issues at Central Florida, but when he was on the field, he was a force. Hill finished with 36 tackles and three sacks last year. He had a good burst of the line of scrimmage and routinely disrupted the run game in college. The Patriots were at Central Florida’s Pro Day.

Sixth round: Renell Wren, Arizona State

A captain and leader, Wren has great size at 6-5, 318 pounds. Last season, he finished with 43 tackles, one sack and two pass breakups. He earned honorable mention All-Pac-12 honors. Wren has versatility to line up all over the defensive line. He’s raw, but has intangibles. Wren earned Arizona State’s Iron Man Award and honored for his leadership. The Patriots were at Arizona State’s Pro Day.

Seventh round: Daniel Wise, Kansas

Younger brother of Patriots defensive end Deatrich Wise, Wise comes from a football family. A 6-3, 281-pound interior pass rusher, he finished last season with five sacks and 34 tackles, 11 for loss. Wise earned honorable mention honors last season. He’s athletic and his family background suggests he’ll be a great teammate. Wise met with the Patriots at the Combine.