Patriots' interior defensive line play will key season success

The New England Patriots lost a big part of their defense this offseason as defensive tackle Vince Wilfork was released by the team. After being cut, he signed with the Houston Texans where former Patriots coach Bill O'Brien is the head coach.

With Wilfork leaving for Houston, it leaves a big question mark as to who will step up in the middle of the defense. Since 2004, when Wilfork was drafted, Wilfork not only anchored the defensive line but was a cornerstone upon which the Patriots built their defense for the last decade. 

Who is in line to replace Wilfork? Several players will be tasked with replacing Wilfork's impact such as fourth year defensive lineman Sealver Siliga, 2014 first round pick Dominique Easley and 2015 first round pick Malcom Brown. Siliga was the lone player to contribute regularly last season in a big way as Easley was still recovering from ACL surgeries that occurred during his time at Florida. Meanwhile, Brown is entering his first season in the NFL. 

Regardless of who plays, they will have the task of keeping the Patriots rush defense in the Top 10 in the league as they ranked ninth against the run last year. However, Easley and Brown could provide more of a pass rush than Wilfork did as Wilfork recorded zero sacks during the 2014 season. If they can provide pressure on the interior, they will surely help a pass defense that ranked 17th in the NFL in 2014.

All in all, the defense will look strange without Wilfork and his No. 75 jersey manning the middle but the Patriots prepped for Wilfork's departure by drafting defensive tackles in back-to-back drafts. 

If Easley and Brown can step up, the Patriots will have yet again found the fountain of youth and gotten a head start on the future of their franchise. 

(h/t Patsfans)

Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports