The Bill Belichick trademark 3-4 base defense always had three big guys up front – the two 5-technique defensive ends flanking the burly nose tackle. Think Ty Warren and Richard Seymour as bookends, with Vince Wilfork at the nose. But this is a new-look defense, with just two big bodies in the middle and then two hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker types on each side. Put three big linebackers behind them – one of whom was a first-round pick (Dont’a Hightower) – and you have the makings of a new-look, more flexible front-seven. So far, so good with this significant change.
Great, must-read recap from Reiss about what has stood out in camp so far…
After 18 practices, this stands out … – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston