Patriots Add ‘Bulk Strength’ with Signing of DL John Hughes

After waiving defensive end Anthony Johnson on Monday, the New England Patriots filled the roster spot with defensive tackle John Hughes.

The pipeline of players from Cleveland to New England continued on Monday (Sept. 26).  According to multiple reports, the Patriots signed former Browns defensive tackle John Hughes.  The move marks 14 players signed by the Patriots who spent time on the 2013 Browns roster.

The 6-foot-2, 320-pound defensive tackle joins a list of players that currently includes linebacker Barkevious Mingo, defensive end Jabaal Sheard and running back Dion Lewis.  While many other former Cleveland players have come and gone, the connection is apparent as former Browns general manager Michael Lombardi is also a former Patriots executive and close friend of Bill Belichick.

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While Hughes is not a big name, the size he adds to the defensive line is admirable.  He will join a rotation that features Malcom Brown, Alan Branch and rookie Vincent Valentine.  Hughes is a more experience run defender and could fill a role the team thought they had when signing Terrence Knighton in the offseason.

So what does Belichick think of the new addition?  In an interview on WEEI’s “Dale & Holley With Thornton” on Monday, the Patriots coach sees someone who can definitely contribute.

“He’s a pretty experienced defensive lineman.  We’ll see.  We have never coached him, so we’ll put him out there and see how it goes.  He’s played end, he’s played tackle.  Big guy, relatively young.  Has some experience that I think might be able to contribute for us.  We’ll just have to see how it goes.”

The 27-year-old Hughes was drafted by the Browns in 2012.  In four-plus seasons he has a total of 109 tackles, 5.5 sacks and one forced fumble.  Cleveland released him on Sept. 20 just months after he signed a four-year, $14.4 million contract extension.

This should be a low-risk addition just like last season when the team traded for Akiem Hicks.  Like Hicks, Hughes is versatile and has a high upside.  If they can get some of the same production, it will be another worthy transaction by the New England Patriots.

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