Report: Patriots Among Five Teams Interested in DT Amobi Okoye

by Connor Rose on Wed, Mar 28, 2012 at 7:45PM

The Patriots haven't made a ton of noise this offseason, staying fairly conservative in their approach to free-agents. Now, with much of the top-tier talent off the boards, the Patriots have set their eyes on a former first-round pick.

Defensive tackle Amobi Okoye was drafted 10th overall in 2007 and had his best season as a rookie in Houston. He recorded 5.5 sacks in his rookie campaign to accompany 32 tackles, but has yet to reach that sack total since.

According to Comcast SportsNet, the Patriots aren't the only team taking a look at the 6-foot-2, 302 pound Nigerian. The Buccaneers, Broncos, Bears, and Bengals — who have already scheduled a workout with Okoye — have also expressed interest.

Though Okoye hasn't lived up to his billing after being the 10th overall pick, his speed and power make him worthy of another shot. It's not like the Patriots are shy about giving underachieving or disgruntled players an opportunity to prove themselves.

As a reserve for the Bears last season, Okoye had 4 sacks and 27 tackles.