First-round draft choice Richard Seymour helped revitalize the New England Patriots defensive line in 2001. Quickly earning a starting spot on the defensive line, he finished the 2001 season with 44 tackles (25 solo) and 3 sacks. In 2002, Seymour earned his first Pro Bowl selection and became the first Patriots defensive tackle ever selected. In 2003, he put together an even more impressive season, earning another Pro Bowl berth and finishing with 80 tackles (45 solo), 8 sacks, and 10 pass deflections. He quickly came to be considered one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL.