After losing defensive end Jarvis Green to the Broncos, the Patriots have a vacant roster spot on its defensive line. LSU defensive lineman Al Woods could fill the void.
According to The Boston Globe, the Patriots will host Woods in a private workout next Tuesday, a sign that the team could draft Woods to replace Green.
The Patriots hold three second-round picks this year and could use one of them on a defensive lineman. Green's loss leaves New England with six defensive lineman on the roster, and the addition of Woods could give New England another run-stuffer.
New England could pair the 6-foot-4, 309-pound Woods with Vince Wilfork and Ty Warren to give the Patriots a dominant defensive front. Woods possesses the versatility to play either the 5-technique or the nose tackle spot in New England's system, the Globe reports, which would increase Bill Belichick's defensive options.
Woods showed his speed and athleticism at this year's NFL combine. He ran an unofficial 5.12 second 40-yard dash and showed a vertical leap of 37 inches, nearly two inches higher than the average wide receiver in the last three years.
Woods was once projected to be a top-five pick, but could be a second-round steal.
The Patriots also plan to host Clemson outside linebacker Ricky Sapp for a private workout. Sapp is another player who could help improve the team's pass rush next season.
