FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- What might the New England Patriots be looking for at the defensive tackle position in the 2018 NFL draft?

Need rating: Eleventh

Current personnel: Malcom Brown, Lawrence Guy, Danny Shelton, Adam Butler, Vincent Valentine.

What's missing? Nothing in the short term. But with the team having to make a decision by May 2 on fifth-year options for 2019 on Brown and Shelton, that creates a level of long-range uncertainty with two of the top players at the position.

2018 draft class primer: This is a strong position. One of the main points of conversation for teams with defensive tackles is how much they will/can contribute on third down/obvious passing situations, as that ultimately determines value. If a big-bodied defensive tackle like Shelton is going to play only on early downs, it naturally would lower his value, but if there is a feeling that he can push the pocket in passing situations, that adds to the value.

Six who fit for the Patriots: Folorunso Fatukasi (UConn), Da'Shawn Hand (Alabama),B.J. Hill (NC State), Derrick Nnadi (Florida State), Da'Ron Payne (Alabama), Harrison Phillips (Stanford).

Key stat: Lawrence Guy played 54.8 percent of the defensive snaps in the 2017 regular season for the Patriots, while Malcom Brown was 50.7 percent and Adam Butler was at 43.7 percent.

My take: The Patriots have had a solid three- or four-man rotation in recent years, which has helped keep their big-bodied tackles fresh for the long haul of the season. Last year’s top backup, Alan Branch, didn’t have his option picked up and became a free agent. He’s been replaced by Shelton, which projects as an upgrade. Also, 2016 third-round pick Vincent Valentine played 27.5 percent of the snaps as a rookie before missing all of last year with an injury, and he is expected to return this year. So the depth and quality of this group looks strong, which lowers the odds the Patriots would select a defensive tackle with a high pick.