Vincent Valentine adds beef to Patriots DL

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The Patriots seem to be dividing their defensive linemen into two somewhat distinct classes: the athletic defensive ends and the massive run-stuffing tackles. 

Vincent Valentine clearly fits the profile of the latter. 

The 6-foot-3, 320-pounder was taken by the Patriots in the third round with pick No. 96 overall. He started for three years while at Nebraska, playing as a traditional nose tackle alongside his quicker and more explosive teammate Maliek Collins (third-round pick of the Cowboys). 

While he wasn't as productive as expected, making 10 tackles in 10 games, Valentine decided to declare for the draft following his junior season because he has potential as a space-eater who can occupy blocks and allow linebackers to make plays at the NFL level. 

Valentine missed three games last season due to an ankle injury. He graduated with a degree in journalism in December.

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