NFL 2019: 3 New England Patriots sleepers to root for ahead of training camp
1. DB Obi Melifonwu
The New England Patriots are getting older at the safety position with both Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung on the other side of 30.
That’s why now is the time for third-year defensive back Obi Melifonwu to reach his potential in the NFL.
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Acquired as a free agent after he was cut the Oakland Raiders, the former second-round pick played in just two games with the Patriots in 2018 combining for three tackles. With 2019 second-round draft pick JoeJuan Williams as another lengthy, physical defensive back who may play more of the safety role, Melifonwu really has to showcase his talents in training camp.
Other than being a local product, as he starred at the University of Connecticut, Obi Melifonwu is a player to root for because of the bad luck he has had with injury entering the NFL with the Raiders. In his rookie season, he played in just five games and really hasn’t had the chance to showcase his ability.
Growing up in Massachusetts, Melifonwu idolized former Patriots safeties like Rodney Harrison and Lawyer Milloy. As a bigger, more gifted athletic as both of those two players, the UConn product has both the inspiration and motivation to excel under Bill Belichicks, especially now that he is healthy.
Take a look at what NFL Draft Insider Mike Mayock said of Melifonwu following his NFL Pro Day.
"“He’s a genetic freak. I thought his tape was really solid. What I like is he’s a matchup player,’’Mayock said prior to the 2017 NFL Draft. “His movement skills for his length, his ability to get in and out of breaks, his tackling, he’s got first-round talent all-day long.’’"
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If the New England Patriots find a way to tap into that talent and Obi Melifonwu reaches his potential, he will be a fan favorite for years to come and another classic case of the team turning another team’s trash into NFL treasure.