Continuing our scouting reports of the Patriots' 53-man roster with a look at defensive tackles.
Vince Wilfork (6-2, 325)
Strengths: Massive, technical, strong, aggressive, versatile and sound player. Nearly immovable along the defensive front. An overwhelming mismatch against most interior offensive linemen. Very good endurance, very good ability against the run. Great with his hands, base, and very good lateral agility down the line of scrimmage. A complete player who does it all along the defensive line. Was sensational in 2011.
Limitations: Very few. Not a dominant pass rush in terms of sacks, but consistently disrupts the integrity of a pocket.
Kyle Love (6-1, 315)
Strengths: Big, strong-bodied interior presence. Not a real-long-armed player, but can take on blockers and control at the point of attack. Productive against the run in 2011, and has been quite good in that area again this preseason. Good placement of his hands, and good overall quickness for his size.
Limitations: Not a big threat as a pass-rusher. More of a heavy-handed pusher than a quickness/explosive burst rusher. Continues to develop his overall game and technique.
Ron Brace (6-3, 330)
Strengths: His strength. Can be overwhelmingly powerful at times. Has a massive frame with good bulk throughout, and does not need to be square to knock an opponent back. Has the skills and athleticism needed to be a two-gapper, although likely won't be called upon to do so very much this season.
Limitations: Consistency and performance. A player whose career production has not yet matched up with his physical abilities. Relies heavily on power push as an interior rusher.
Brandon Deaderick (6-4, 305)
Strengths: A versatile player who can do a number of different things along the defensive live. Has the quickness to work on the edge as an end, and the girth to hold up inside. Can rush the passer. Has good arsenal of moves to create pressure.
Limitations: For Deaderick, his game is about staying consistent. Has shown that he can be a factor as an NFL player, but must piece it together on an every-down basis. Although he can flex inside as an interior player, is a little undersized in doing so, and a little heavy for the defensive end spot.
Marcus Forston (6-1, 301)
Strengths: Good, quick first step off the football and good linear power. Can bull-rush in the passing game to generate a little bit of pressure, and has some stoutness to his game as a run stopping presence. A young player who should continue to grow and improve.
Limitations: Not overly athletic for the position. Has room to grow on his frame, but right now a relatively lighter player at just 301 pounds (at combine). Didn't flash a ton of moves in getting to the passer in 1-on-1 drills. Still some limited exposure to his game after just one training camp.