Since we've been on the subject of potential Patriots front seven prospects this afternoon, let's keep it going by looking at Wake Forest defensive end / outside linebacker Kyle Wilber. Citing a league source, WEEI's Christopher Price reports that the Patriots recently held a "private dryboard session" with Wilber following his official pro day.
At 6'4" 249 lbs, Wilber projects best as a linebacker at the next level. At Wake Forest, his pass rush production was never really that great (had a career high six sacks his junior season). However, he's a smart, instinctive, hard-nosed football player who looks like he has the change-of-direction ability to make the transition to linebacker (looked solid dropping into coverage while at Wake Forest).
To gain some more perspective on Wilber, here is what WEEI's Nicholas O'Malley recently had to say on him:
As an edge rusher, Wilber has a lot going for him in terms of his length, quickness and tenacity. With a quick burst and good use of leverage, Wilber can be a solid speed rush guy, but he has to avoid getting washed behind quarterbacks by quicker tackles. Against the run, Wilber shows great range in run support, works well in space on the outside and shoots gaps well to get penetration. However, he is limited when taking on blockers at the point of attack and could be susceptible to teams running at him.
Personally, I look at Wilber as a solid player that will likely never develop into an elite player. However, for a team like the Patriots that is looking for outside linebacker and pass rushing depth, Wilber could be a good pickup early in day three of the draft.