Vince Wilfork was one of the most popular players in New England Patriots history and, by many accounts, one of the nicest guys ever to play on the gridiron.  While all of that is fine and good, the most important facet that Pats fans really think of is that he was so fundamentally good at Nose Tackle, clogging lanes and taking up space that offensive rushers wanted nothing to do with.

Wilfork was a five-time Pro Bowl selection, four of which were accomplished consecutively (2009-12).  He helped New England win two Super Bowls and was also named an All-Pro four times.

Making four consecutive Pro Bowls and a First Team All-Pro Selection, Asante Samuel was an integral part of a pair of Super Bowl Championships for the New England Patriots. Samuel led the National Football League in Interceptions twice, had 51 overall, and became one of the more recognized Defensive Backs in the NFL.

Splitting his career between the San Diego Chargers and the New England Patriots, Rodney Harrison has a lot of labels attached to him. Statistically, Harrison is the first man ever to have 30 Sacks and 30 Interceptions, an impressive defensive feat that quantified his versatility on the gridiron. He has two Pro Bowls and two Super Bowl Rings for the Pats, where he was one of their defensive leaders. However, Harrison has also been labeled one of the dirtiest players ever to play the game, and he is also remembered for being the player who David Tyree made the spectacular catch for the Giants that propelled them to the Super Bowl win over New England (which New York fans will always point out). Harrison made only two bowls, but the master of the safety blitz was one of the best at stopping the run among defensive backs, and his cover work improved over time.  He is also gaining Hall of Fame momentum, becoming a Finalist for the first time in 2024.