Adams was drafted in the 2nd round of the 1971 NFL Draft. He started as a rookie and was chosen to the UPI All-Rookie team in 1971. He was Patriots' leading sacker with 7.5 in 1974 and was named as one of the NFL's top defensive linemen by "Pro QB Magazine". The following year, he missed five games due to a foot injury. Adams was the team's top tackler at 47 among the defensive linemen in 1976, and also had six sacks and 12 quarterback pressures. He started 14 games in 1977 and had 9.5 sacks. That season, he ended with 43 tackles.