New England Patriots: Examining mass exodus of players

By Sam Minton | Mar 20, 2020

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 04: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots looks on from the bench during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

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Danny Shelton #71 (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

Danny Shelton

Now the New England Patriots defensive line is looking a little thing. Danny Shelton is headed to the Detroit Lions

Shelton has had an interesting career in New England, but 2019 was a great year for the defensive tackle. He had 3 sacks and 61 tackles.

Ever since Vince Wilfork has retired, the Patriots have been looking for someone who can plug up holes at the line. Shelton definitely helped in 2019.

Luckily the Patriots have some talented players on the defensive line. In 2020 the pressure will be on Deatrich Wise and Lawrence Guy.

Once again with all the departures, we have witnessed I am skeptical about how great the defense will be next season.

There is no doubt that with Stephon Gilmore and Dont’a Hightower leading the way the Patriots are in a good position, but I think instead of being the league’s best defense they will be towards the end of the top 10.

With Tom Brady leaving will that be enough? I’m not confident it will be.

So it might not seem like a big loss, but the New England Patriots will definitely miss Danny Shelton. Having a guy who can step up and plug up holes is always a plus.

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