​The New England Patriots are charting a course for a challenging 2026 season with a defense built to help them edge toward a Super Bowl, and much of that strength will come from the interior line. Last season, the Patriots were able to pressure the quarterback in part thanks to the interior push from their starting defensive tackles, Milton Williams and Christian Barmore. Both star tackles are slated to return for 2026, and they will be complemented by a group of capable teammates who can contribute behind them.
With training camp approaching, here’s a look at the Patriots’ depth at defensive tackle. At the top of the rotation are Christian Barmore and Milton Williams, who are expected to reprise their roles as the anchors of the interior. Behind them, Durden has emerged as a compelling case for a starting nose tackle spot, thanks to the impressive work he’s shown this spring. Durden, who had a strong 2025 campaign, started in four of the 17 games he played last season after appearing in only four games in each of the prior two years. His spring performance has raised expectations that he could take on a larger share of snaps in 2026, depending on how he progresses during training camp.
Joining the competition at defensive tackle are David Blay Jr., Jeremiah Pharms Jr., Travis Shaw, and Williams, who will continue to push for meaningful snaps as backups once again. Farmer logged the most games among the current reserve defensive tackles last season, and his solid production suggests he is in line to compete for additional opportunities during training camp. Gregory and Pharms, who saw limited action in 2025, are also part of the mix and could contribute if given the opportunity.
Durden is, by many accounts, the defensive tackle to watch in New England’s training camp this summer. The 27-year-old lineman is riding a career-year trajectory after starting in four of the 17 games he appeared in during 2025, a notable uptick from his limited action in the two preceding seasons. How he performs during camp will likely influence how many snaps he earns next season, making him a player to monitor as the team prepares for a season that aims to contend for the franchise’s next championship.
In sum, the Patriots will count on their interior trio of Barmore, Williams, and Durden to lead the way up front, with a host of veterans and promising youngsters ready to contribute in rotation. Training camp will be the first real test for Durden and the rest of the backups as New England looks to build a robust interior that can disrupt opposing offenses, sustain pressure, and keep the defense competitive across a demanding 2026 schedule.