[Editor's Note: Today, we'll be going at a fast-forward pace looking at some of the prospects that the Patriots have worked out privately. With the free agent craze coming to an end, it's time to jump back into the deep end when it comes to draft coverage. -Greg]
According to Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Patriots recently worked out Cincinnati defensive lineman Derek Wolfe. Wolfe, at 6'5" and 295 lbs, would likely have the versatility to play in multiple spots on the Patriots defensive line.
He had excellent production at Cincinnati, picking up a combined 18.5 sacks his final three years with the Bearcats, including 9.5 as a senior. He isn't an elite athlete, but he is a hard worker, who gives his all to get after the quarterback. In terms of those intangibles, here's what Dane Brugler of NFL Draft Scout had to say on him:
Tough as nails with a physical attitude and often attracts double-teams. An extremely hard worker in the weight room and doesn't let up in practice. Versatile in college, lining up in several different spots, including moving to nose tackle over the center on third downs. Stayed durable over his career, starting the final 38 games of his collegiate career.
Wolfe is projected by most draft analysts to come off the board in the fourth or fifth round range. I like what I've seen from Wolfe, and I think he could be a great fit for the Patriots as a 3-4 RDE and interior rusher on 3rd downs. His stock has been on the rise lately, so it really wouldn't shock me if he came off the board some time in the latter portions of the 3rd round.