3. Vince Wilfork
Vince Wilfork was the 21st overall pick of the Patriots and suited up for New England from 2004-2014.
Wilfork's play was acknowledged with five All-Pro and five Pro Bowl selections. He was also a member of the Super Bowl XXXIX and XLIX title teams. He bookended his career in New England with championships in both his first and final seasons with the team.
Wilfork was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame in Sept. 2022. and named to the franchise's All-2000s, All-2010s, All-Dynasty, and 50th Anniversary Teams.
The Miami product was a fan favorite in his time with New England, as his 6-foot-2 and 325-pound frame were hard to miss at nose tackle.
BIG MAN WITH FOOTBALL: Strong contender for the most entertaining category of football action.
— NFL Legacy (@NFLLegacy) October 3, 2018
Vince Wilfork gave us an example of the genre at its best on Sept. 18, 2011, reaching up to snag his first career interception and rumbling 36 yards. @wilfork75 @Patriots pic.twitter.com/Y3k4yXqLwL
Wilfork finished his career with 560 tackles and 39 tackles for loss. His sack numbers aren't great (only 16 career sacks), but stats can't account for the havoc he wrecked on the defensive interior.
Wilfork has been a semifinalist in the previous three years of voting. As one of the premier defensive linemen of his generation, he should get a fair look again in 2025.