It's a move that could change New England's approach to the draft. Yesterday the Patriots signed DT Damione Lewis. the 6-2 301-pound Lewis is expected to be a reserve at nose tackle and defensive end.
Lewis has been a solid pro with high character. He was one of the leaders in Carolina's locker room. But after a season where his production dropped, the Panthers released Lewis.
The only question about the former first round pick of the St. Louis Rams is whether Lewis can play in a 3-4 after spending his career as a DT in a 4-3. We won't know for sure until training camp begins.
With the addition of Lewis, does that mean the Pats are less likely to spend their 22nd pick overall on a DL? In my first mock draft, I projected Penn State DT Jared Odrick as New England's selection. With Lewis now in the fold, that possibility decreases.
I'm of the thinking that they won't draft a potential OLB prospect if he doesn't have the desired measurables of 6-5 250 pounds. I don't expect one with first round talent to be available by then. But it could open the doors for other possibilities, like maybe a receiver or a tight end.
Tight end seems more likely, considering head coach Bill Belichick never drafted a wide out in the first round, but did select Daniel Graham and Ben Watson with first round picks.
Questions? Comments? send to talktome@randolphc.com.
Keywords: Bill Belichick, Damione Lewis, Jared Odrick, New England Patriots, Penn State
