For the New England Patriots, life without Lawrence Guy seemed at best a remote possibility for the upcoming season.
However, its chances dramatically increased at the outset of mandatory minicamp, when the veteran defensive tackle became conspicuous by his absence. 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. The Arizona State product currently has two years remaining on his current deal. He is set to make $2 million, with a $3.6 million cap hit in 2023.
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 interior tackle Davon Godchaux and defensive end Deatrich Wise, Jr.
Should Guy have played his final down in Foxboro, here are four potential candidates to start on the let side of the Patriots defensive line in 2023.
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. He 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.
Carl Davis
The 6-5, 320-pound Iowa product continued to prove his value within the system as a two-gapping interior defensive lineman. Besides providing size and strength up front, he also became a disruptive presence when defending the outside zone. It was hoped that his ability to hold up inside against a double team would allow the Pats’ defensive ends and edge rushers to flow freely to the ball. However, Davis’ contributions in this area were sporadic, at best. Despite some solid showings at the nose tackle position, the 30-year-old was also occasionally beaten on his assignments. Still, his rotational versatility may be enough for him to see time on the left side as a spot starter.
Daniel Ekuale
Due to a suspension, the 29-year-old missed the Patriots 2022 season-opening loss to the Miami Dolphins, as well as their Week 2 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Still, Ekuale proved himself a solid depth piece along the defensive line. The Washington State product played in all 15 games for which he was eligible, having compiled 14 total tackles (two for loss), three quarterback hits and two sacks. Ekuale’s work ethic and versatility caught the eye of his teammates and coaches as the season progressed. He is the most natural on the left among the Pats reserve defensive linemen.
Keion White
Though the team will not be putting on pads at the outset of training camp, second-round Draft choice Keion White (No. 46 overall) is already impressing the masses with his aggressive, physical style of play during offseason workouts. Despite being a rookie, White is already receiving regular looks with the starters. Though contact is still prohibited, the 24-year-old routinely finds himself in position to put notable pressure on the quarterback. Known primarily for his edge rush prowess during his time at Georgia Tech, White was a jack of all trades during the Pats offseason workout program. The 6-4, 287-pounder has aligned at outside linebacker, set in a three-point stance, rushed the passer, played the run, and even dropped into coverage. Coach Bill Belichick is generally reluctant to start rookies along the defensive front to open the season. However, White’s versatility and determination may earn him a second look from the coaching staff — especially if Guy’s absence extends into training camp.
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