The Patriots have reached a deal with their first-round pick.
Defensive tackle Malcom Brown, the 32nd overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, has agreed to terms on a four-year contract with the Patriots, the team announced on Friday.
The former University of Texas standout will help fill the void left by Vince Wilfork, the veteran stalwart on Bill Belichick's line who was released and signed with the Texans this offseason. Brown raised some eyebrows after his selection by declaring the Patriots were "about to get the best player ya'll have ever drafted."
Brown spoke with reporters on the last day of minicamp and avoided drawing any comparisons to Wilfork.
"I'm not here to replace anybody," Brown said Thursday, via the Boston Herald. "Vince was a great player, and obviously everybody sees that. But I'm not here to replace anybody, and whatever role the coaches give me, I'm going to take that role and play my best at it."
NFL Media's Mike Mayock believes the versatile Brown can grow into a three-down player with the ability to play in different positions. He got plenty of reps during the New England's offseason program due to injuries to Sealver Siliga and Chris Jones. Alan Branch also missed time while on paternity leave.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast discusses the latest NFL news including Dez Bryant's contract situation and the latest on Johnny Manziel. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.
