Vikings two-time Pro Bowler makes admission on Patriots defensive line
He was complimentary of the unit after seeing them in action during the two joint practice sessions between the Patriots and Vikings last week. Coach Mike Vrabel made it a point to add more firepower along the defensive front in New England.
Milton Williams, Harold Landry III, Khyiris Tonga and K'Lavon Chaisson signed with the team in free agency. They also spent draft picks on defensive tackle Joshua Farmer and edge rusher Bradyn Swinson. Couple those additions with two incredibly talented defenders in Christian Barmore and Keion White and it's clear why the unit is finding success right out of the gate.
'They got some players,' O'Neill said, via Boston Herald's Doug Kyed. 'It was a good test for us to see (Christian) Barmore back out there today. That's obviously going to make a big difference for them. I got a ton of respect for Harold (Landry). I played against him before, and just everything I hear about him is true professional. And then Milton (Williams has) got some juice for sure, too, sure so. And Keion (White) is pretty good, too, off the edge, and he's able to do it from both sides, which not a lot of guys can do. So they play hard. You can tell they're really well coached. It was a really good two days of work for us.'
Historically, defense has been the calling card for the Patriots, and that is not expected to change under Vrabel.
Hearing the early praise should be music to the ears of Patriots fans. There are still some questions at edge rusher, but the defensive line should be one of the strongest units in the league.
It's going to be a fun group to watch under a talented defensive mind in defensive coordinator Terrell Williams.
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