FOXBOROUGH – At first glance, the Patriots’ defensive line looks like a group that could ruin games for opposing offenses.
With Harold Landry, Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, and Keion White, the Patriots have four legitimate players anchoring their line. For defensive line coach Clinton McMillan, it’s been a welcomed sight.
During OTAs, players aren’t wearing pads and there’s no contact allowed, but it’s easy to see the level of talent the Patriots have to anchor their defensive line. Behind the scenes, McMillan has been impressed with his players.
“I tell this to the group – individual players aren’t going to win you games. It’s a front,” McMillan said. “Those teams with good fronts. They’re just pieces, but all four of those guys need to be operating at a high level. The better one guy plays, it’s going to pull somebody with them… We just want to find ways to put out the best front that we can.”
McMillan has the pleasure of coaching two of the Patriots’ highest-paid players.
This offseason, the team made Williams the highest-paid player in franchise history after signing him to a four-year, $104 million contract. Last year, the Patriots signed Barmore to a four-year, $84 million contract extension.
Together, Williams and Barmore create one of the most talented defensive tackle pairings in the NFL.
Last season, in Philadelphia, Williams started seven of 17 games played. He finished with 24 tackles, five sacks and 10 quarterback hits. The Patriots brought him in to play a bigger role. The 26-year-old has impressed his position coach with the way he’s acclimated to the Patriots this offseason.
“I just love him as a worker. I tell him every chance I get – he goes about his business the right way,” McMillan said. “He’s good in the meeting room, has good questions, is tedious with his notes, looking for ways to improve. I’m excited that I’ve had a chance to work with him and he’s done an outstanding job.”
For Barmore, this offseason has been about his health. After dealing with blood clots last season, the talented defensive tackle has been medically cleared and has been a full participant in OTAs.
In 2023, Barmore was one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL, leading the Patriots in sacks (8.5) and quarterback hits (16). This offseason, with a new staff and defensive scheme, Barmore has impressed his coaches.
“He’s done a great job. He’s done everything we’ve asked him,” McMillan said. “Obviously, I’m excited for him that he gets back. Player safety and health, that’s at the forefront of everything we talk about and do. Excited for him. Excited as he’s gone through his process. He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do. He’s been great in the meeting rooms. Great as far as learning multiple positions. There hasn’t been one thing that we’ve asked him to do that he’s batted an eye at so I appreciate the way he’s gone about his business.”
