The New England Patriots are facing a challenging situation after a devastating injury to their star defensive lineman, Milton Williams, who was placed on injured reserve following a high ankle sprain. But amidst this setback, an unexpected hero emerges: Cory Durden, a 26-year-old journeyman, is ready to step into the spotlight.
A Rising Star in the Making
Even before Williams’ injury, the Patriots had been gradually integrating Durden into their defensive line rotation. Durden, undrafted in 2023 after a collegiate career spanning Florida State and North Carolina State, has had a winding path to the NFL. He signed with the Lions initially but was cut after his first training camp. After a brief stint with the Rams, he landed with the Giants in 2024, playing in four games.
And then came the turning point. The Patriots signed Durden in August after he was cut by the Giants, and he’s been making the most of his opportunity. His playing time has steadily increased, with a career-high 34 snaps in Week 11, filling in for the injured Williams.
A Promising Performance
Durden’s performance has been impressive, despite a small sample size. According to Pro Football Focus, he’s rated as the 12th best defensive lineman in the league this season, with a grade of 75.4. He’s excelling in pass rushing, ranking fifth among D-linemen, alongside the likes of Cam Heyward and Dexter Lawrence.
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel had high praise for Durden even before Williams’ injury, noting his size, physicality, and energy. Vrabel’s words seem prophetic now, as Durden steps up to fill the void left by Williams.
A Crucial Replacement
With Williams out for at least four weeks, Durden will be a key player in the Patriots’ defensive strategy. He’ll likely share the load with Christian Barmore on the defensive line, while the team may also adjust the playing time of Khyiris Tonga and give rookie Joshua Farmer a chance to shine.
The Patriots are hopeful for Williams’ return in late December, but in the meantime, Durden’s emergence as a reliable player is a silver lining. And this is the part most people miss: sometimes, it’s the unexpected players who step up and become the heroes of the story.
But here’s where it gets controversial: is Durden’s success a result of his talent finally being recognized, or is it a product of the Patriots’ renowned ability to develop players? Share your thoughts in the comments below!