Leading into the NFL draft, my "favorite five" prospects for the New England Patriots at their five primary positions of need -- running back, cornerback, offensive tackle, defensive tackle and wide receiver -- will be highlighted. Part IV is on defensive tackles:

Vernon Butler (Louisiana Tech): The 6-foot-3 5/8 and 323-pound Butler stands out from a physical traits standpoint, with body mass, power, and 35-inch arm length that make him a natural, versatile fit for what the Patriots like to do with their multiple fronts. It's probably a stretch to think he'd be there at No. 60/61, but if he slides into 10- to 15-pick range of the Patriots' first selection, he'd be the type of player I could see the club considering moving up to select.

Adam Gotsis (Georgia Tech): Likely more of a consideration in the third-round range or later, the first question with the 6-foot-4 1/2, 287-pound Gotsis is if his medical file checks out after he was a medical exclusion (knee) from the combine. A team captain with high-end intangibles, he has versatility to fit in various spots and a mix of physical traits (e.g. athleticism, power, big hands) worthy of consideration of harnessing.

Austin Johnson (Penn State): The 6-foot-4 3/8, 314-pound Johnson is expected to be off the board within the first two rounds and is a powerful player whose best work has come against the run. While every draft pick is a projection of sorts, Johnson's upward arc and overall body of work in college makes him one of the safer picks in the draft. If he's available at No. 60/61, it would be good value.

Chris Jones (Mississippi State): One of the more athletic defensive tackles in the draft for his size, the long-armed, 6-foot-5 3/4, 310-pound Jones would fall into the Jamie Collins category of selecting a player based more on his physical traits/future projection than a consistent level of production in college. He's an early-round consideration whose versatility to play multiple roles along the line fits well in the Patriots' multiple scheme.

Hassan Ridgeway (Texas): A former teammate of 2015 first-round pick Malcom Brown with the Longhorns, the 6-foot-3 3/8, 303-pound Ridgeway enters the draft after his junior season and comes with questions after failing to follow up an impressive sophomore season with as productive of a junior campaign. Injuries might have been part of the slide, but Ridgeway's athleticism and physical traits still warrant consideration early if his medical file checks out.

PREVIOUS POSTS

Part I: Running backs

Part II: Cornerbacks

Part III: Offensive tackles