Positional battles we’ll be watching – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston
I foresee at least five players vying for two starting roles: Jonathan Fanene, Trevor Scott, Chandler Jones, Jake Bequette and Rob Ninkovich. Given the number of sub package defense the team projects to play, it’s likely that all five of these players will accrue a high total of snaps as the team rolls through its depth to keep the legs fresh and pass rushing pursuit at full-bore. But when the team lines up in its base 4-3 defense (all signs point to a reliance on a four man front in 2012), which two players will bookend the defensive line? Scott, Ninkovich and Fanene are all proven veteran players, with Scott and Fanene in particular having experience at the end position (Ninkovich has had his most success as a 3-4 outside linebacker). Jones adds an element of dynamic athleticism, while Bequette was praised in some pre-draft scouting reports for his polish. In this group of five players, the Patriots appear to have a blend of toughness, explosion and capable run defenders and pass rushers.