Patriots Training Camp Preview: Defensive Line; Lawrence Guy Holdout?

FOXBORO — While their offensive line counterparts may garner a greater share of the headlines, the strength and depth of the New England Patriots defensive line will be of great importance heading into the upcoming 2023 NFL season.

Though New England struggled with setting the edge at times in 2022, their success when attempting to stop the run typically began with the interior of the defensive line.

With the first Patriots set to report for training camp in less than two weeks, here are three players that might catch a ‘sharp eye’ along the Patriots defensive line.

Davon Godchaux

Having signed a two-year extension prior to the start of the 2022 season, Godchaux seems poised to remain a key component of the Pats defensive line for the foreseeable. In fact, he is putting in the necessary work to do so in the upcoming season. Following a season in which the team continued to redefine his role, he compiled 62 total tackles (three, for loss) and 1.5 sacks in 2022.

Godchaux is at his best when playing more four-technique, while mixing in some five [technique] and some three, as well. In 2023, he will likely be called upon to take on the double team, providing the Pats linebackers and edge rushers the chance to keep opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable. This should allow the interior of the defensive line to competently defend opposing running games, while also allowing Godchaux the chance to showcase his versatility.

Lawrence Guy

While the team has yet to confirm the reason for his non-appearance, it has been widely reported that Guy was holding out of minicamp in hopes of landing a new contract. Guy has appeared in a combined 101 regular season and playoff games for New England. Despite missing three games with a shoulder injury in 2022, the 33-year-old logged 46 total tackles (three for loss,) two sacks and five quarterback hits. He has also been a valuable presence both on and off the field. Guy was voted to Patriots 2010s All-Decade Team and was named a team captain in 2020. He won the Ron Burton Community Service Award in 2021 and was the Patriots nominee for the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2022.

While there is likely a greater chance of Guy’s holdout ending in a return to the Patriots at some point during training camp, the team must also consider its alternative options when deciding who may align alongside Godchaux and defensive end Deatrich Wise, Jr.

Christian Barmore

Despite entering his second year with lofty expectations, a knee injury kept Barmore from seeing the field for seven games in 2022 — inevitably leading to a statistical dip for the former Alabama defender. He finished the campaign having logged 23, 2.5 sacks and only one pass-break-up. Still, Barmore’s ability to push the pocket and take a stand against the run keeps him among the team’s premier defenders.

Barmore plays with good leverage, and is strong enough to take on double-teams. He locates the ball quickly, chases with good effort and has excellent range for his size. The 23-year-old has also demonstrated quick hands, which has made him effective in both stuffing the run, and challenging the passer. Though he often aligns with the starters on New England’s 4-3 defensive sets, Barmore may be the team’s top choice to start as a left-side defensive tackle in their typical 3-4 front.

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