According to Mike Reiss over at ESPNBoston.com, the Patriots worked out former Iowa Quarterback Ricky Stanzi and former Hampton University defensive lineman Kenrick Ellis at their respective campuses.
Stanzi is the more notable name of the two as he spent three seasons and started 35 games at the University of Iowa. It has been widely speculated that the Patriots would use one of their nine draft picks on a quarterback. Stanzi is listed at 6-4 and 223 pounds. Stanzi had a great 2010 as he threw for 25 touchdowns and only six interceptions his junior season.
The Patriots currently have Tom Brady (we know he's not going anywhere) and Brian Hoyer at the quarterback position, as they could be looking to improve their depth at that position. Brady and Stanzi share the same personal coach in Tom Martinez, which could factor in their decision on drafting him.
The team also held a private workout with Hampton University defensive tackle Kenrick Ellis, one of the biggest players in the draft. Ellis is listed at a starteling 6-5 and 346 pounds, which is heavier than Vince Wilfork.
The only downside to Ellis is his off the field troubles. Ellis began his career at the University of South Carolina in 2008, where he was eventually dismissed from the team for violating team policy. Ellis then transferred to Hampton University, and is currently projected as a fourth-round choice by ESPN Scouts Inc.
However, despite his build, we know that troubled players and Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick don't mesh.