15 Thoughts: Preseason and Roster Edition | NEPatriotsDraft.com – 2013 NFL Draft

I’m always a sucker for quick hit thought articles like this. Great point here on Kyle Love and it’s clear from his extension that the Pats are impressed with his progression and see a long-term fit for him.

As we look at the new Pats defense it’s clear that you need at least three or four players like Wilfork and Love in the middle. They might’ve been nose tackles in the old 3-4 but both do have the ability to get up the field. Causing some chaos in the middle of opposing offensive lines is vital with these guys.

With training camp wrapping up last week and the second preseason game in the books one player who has taken a significant step forward in his development, but still is flying under the radar is DT Kyle Love. Love has solidified his starting role next to Vince Wilfork and has been a consistent contributor both in practices and in the preseason games. After re-watching both of the preseason games, Love ha been nearly impossible to block one on one. He plays with good leverage and uses his strength to push the pocket. Eagles OC Jason Kelce was helpless against Love and it forced the Eagles to double team him on a number of occasions. Coming to the Patriots as a UDFA out of Mississippi State two years ago little was expected of him. But, Love has quickly and relatively quietly turned himself into one of the Patriots’ better defensive players. Love isn’t mentioned as one of the young building blocks on the defense like Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung and Brandon Spikes are. But, it might be time more people start taking notice, he is a very good player who keeps getting better.