FOXBORO — The Patriots found a diamond in the rough when they signed Cory Durden to their practice squad before the season.

Durden, 26, has already played a career-high 221 defensive snaps for the Patriots this season. He’s especially stood out as a pass rusher while taking on more snaps since starter Milton Williams was placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury after Week 10.

The 6-foot-4, 305-pounder ranks fifth in PFF’s pass-rushing grade, among defensive tackles, with an 82.7 mark. He’s registered 11 hurries in just 221 defensive snaps.

It’s not entirely surprising given Durden’s pedigree as a former four-star recruit out of Newberry (Fla.) High School, where he even played some tight end, catching 22 passes for 219 yards with three touchdowns.

Durden was a standout as a sopho

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