The New England Patriots are showing interest in 2017 second-round pick Obi Melifonwu, a source confirmed to NESN.com.
Melifonwu is visiting Gillette Stadium on Friday. NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport first reported the Patriots’ interest in the former UConn safety.
Melifonwu, a Grafton, Mass.-native, was drafted by the Oakland Raiders and was waived/injured in late August. He reverted to injured reserve after clearing waivers and was released Oct. 23.
The 6-foot-4, 224-pound safety tore up the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine, running a 4.40-second 40-yard dash with a 1.51-second 10-yard split, 44-inch vertical jump and 11-foot, 8-inch broad jump. He ran a 7.07-second 3-cone and 4.30-second short shuttle at his pro day that March.
Melifonwu played in five games as a rookie, recording seven tackles. He had three tackles in Week 9 against the Patriots in Mexico City. The 24-year-old allowed three catches on five targets for 81 yards and a touchdown overall last season. He let up the score to former Patriots receiver Brandin Cooks.
The Patriots have just four safeties on their roster in Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung, Duron Harmon and special-teamer Nate Ebner. Cornerback Jason McCourty also has the versatility to play safety.
Melifonwu reportedly visited the Dallas Cowboys this week.
UPDATE (6:50 p.m. ET): The Patriots also hosted tight end Ben Koyack and safety Dexter McCoil on Friday, ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported.
Koyack, 25, has 24 career receptions for 199 yards with one touchdown in two seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
McCoil, 27, has 30 tackles, an interception and five pass breakups in three NFL seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Chargers.
