FOXBOROUGH, Mass — The defensive line proved to be a major area of strength for the New England Patriots last season, with Milton Williams anchoring down the middle. But among them, many players emerged and made names for themselves, including Cory Durden.
That’s someone in particular who truly impressed Williams.
“Man, just a guy who came in and took advantage of this opportunity,” Williams told reporters on Saturday after training camp. “Vrabes said you’re going to get everything you work for on this team, and ever since he came in, he started on scout team, doing what he’s doing on scout team. Started get reps with us. Kept handling his business, and he just kept getting more and more opportunities. And now he’s where he’s at. But he’s got a chip on his shoulder. He’s still trying to prove who he is and that he belongs.”
Durden’s journey in the NFL was not an easy one, as he was cut by the Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Rams, and New York Giants across three seasons before ultimately landing with the Patriots. But it was a perfect match.
And with that, Durden will now take on a bigger role, as he is expected to be the team’s starting nose tackle after they lost Tonga to the Chiefs in free agency.
“Just his energy. His length, he’s a big guy. But he’s athletic and smooth as well. Just having a guy like that in the middle,” Williams highlighted. We’re going to miss (Khyiris) Tonga. He was here last year. He was that big guy we had. But Cory’s stepping in and trying to fill that void.”
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