Patriots Shop for Linemen

Even without Mike Vrabel in the picture, the New England Patriots are looking strong on the defensive side this year, as linebackers Tedy Bruschi, Jerod Mayo and Adalius Thomas are all gearing up for another stellar season on the field at Gillette Stadium. Defensive linemen Richard Seymour and Ty Warren are also back and out for blood, yet the Pats’ recruiting trends lately seem to suggest that Bill Belichick is still shopping around for blockers and tacklers – both defensively and offensively.

Recently, the Patriots have hosted Alabama offensive tackle Andre Smith, who is scheduled to work out with the team this week. Smith is one of the top O-linemen in the crop for this month’s draft, and while the 6’4”, 330-pound player may not be as valuable as others like Jason Smith, Eugene Monroe, Michael Oher, Eben Britton or William Beatty, but by the time the Patriots get their first pick in the draft he may be what’s left of the top of the pack.

The Pats have also reportedly been in contact with defensive lineman Evander “Ziggy” Hood. The 6’3”, 300-pound Missouri lineman is projected to be a first round draft pick, and he has also been scheduled for a pre-draft visit with the Patriots.

To get New England Patriots tickets, go to StubHub.com.

Permalink - Posted in Uncategorized on April 14, 2009 - Post a comment