If both stay healthy, the Patriots could have one of the most dangerous defensive tackle combinations in the NFL. Williams said that him and Barmore talk about leading the unit and hope to act in a way that makes teammates follow. That’s why they compete with each other every day.

He wants me to go fast and empty the tank every rep,” Williams said. “I like that. ... Calling me out is going to help the other guys."

DT Milton Williams tells the story of Mike Vrabel calling him out in the first week of the voluntary offseason program, and how he liked it. Vrabel's message to him: If you are going to be here, it's on you to set the standard.