New England Patriots: 3 things to know about Obi Melifonwu

Plagued by injuries

Now there is a reason a player drafted as highly as Obi Melifonwu was available for the New England Patriots to sign just a year after he was drafted.

Besides a lack of patience by the Oakland Raiders, that reason was of course injuries.

The Patriots have drafted their share of players with an injury history, so it is no surprise the team is willing to take a flyer on Melifonwu.  With his speed and athleticism, why wouldn’t they?

Melifonwu begin the 2018 season on injured reserve after having knee surgery.  Prior to that he was hampered with an ankle injury, but he appears healthy enough for the Patriots to have signed him after bringing him in for a workout.

Now that he is healthy, the New England Patriots are hoping to use him in the same way the Raiders were trying to.  He can play that safety/hybrid role in the dime package.  His speed and size will help him cover tight ends and running backs, two positions the Patriots defense has had trouble covering over the past few seasons.

If he picks up the system and stays healthy, Bill Belichick may have hit the jackpot with a player who certainly wants to be in New England.