New England Patriots: Top 5 standouts so far this preseason

3 of 6

New England Patriots Danny Shelton (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

4. Danny Shelton, Defensive Tackle

When it comes to veteran, no player is making a greater push to carve out a role than Danny Shelton.

More from Chowder and Champions

So far, through training camp and the first two preseason games, the former first-round pick of the Cleveland Browns has positioned himself ahead of Mike Pennel. Not only has he received more snaps, he has shown more comfort in the defensive scheme.

Add his overall hunger and motivation to succeed and that talent may just reach its potential in 2019. If Shelton can become that disruptive force in the middle, the New England Patriots overall defense will be that much better.

After signing just a one-year deal return to the Patriots, it looks like things are starting to work out for Shelton.

Here is what Bill Belichick had to say about the big defensive tackle.

"“I think he’s a lot more comfortable with the scheme,” Belichick said, as transcribed by the Providence Journal. “We have more experience with him as a player. There are certain things that we can do to put him in a good position to be productive, and he’s worked on things that he knows he needs to do in our scheme that may be a little bit different from other schemes that he’s played in. He’s better prepared, he’s in good condition, he’s had a good camp and a good spring, so I’m glad he’s here. I think he’ll help us.”"

In the two preseason games, Danny Shelton has two combined tackles and a sack to show for his effort. Let’s remember, for his position, it is not the numbers that are important, it is the presence and physicality that allows other players along the defensive line and front seven make plays.

Let’s hope this upward trend continues.

Home/New England Patriots