Ziggy Hood (DL, Missouri) and Eric Wood (OL, Louisville) are two of the latest potential draft picks to have been worked out by the New England Patriots. Much has been made of who the Patriots are bringing in and working out, but history shows that the Patriots have no qualms about picking players that they haven’t met with. Logan Mankins and many others weren’t pre-draft visit players, but last year Shawn Crable, Jerod Mayo, and Terrence Wheatley all were.

If there is one thing that Patriot fans can garner from the visitations is what positions that the Patriots are interested in. Bill Belichick and company have worked out about every position so far, but their interest has centered on the defensive side of the ball. Almost two thirds of their interviews, workouts, and visits have been for defensive prospects.

Current Prospects that have conducted or will conduct an official NFL Draft Visit:

QB Stephen McGee
WR Johnny Knox
RB Andre Brown
LB Connor Barwin
DE Lawrence Sidbury
DL Evander Hood
CB Tony Carter
CB Alphonso Smith
S Louis Delmas
S William Moore
S Patrick Chung

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According to Mike Reiss, the Patriots will be hosting three safeties in the following days in order to assess their draft stock. Patrick Chung of Oregon, William Moore of Missouri, and Louis Delmas of Western Michigan all will take a pre-draft visit to Foxboro.

All three safeties are good hitters that can be an asset in run-supoort. On the other hand, draftniks have pointed out coverage concerns for each of them, especially Moore.

The Patriots seem to have their starters set at the safety position, with Brandon Meriweather and James Sanders slated to start. While Shawn Springs’ versatility provides good depth, any of the three safeties coming to New England would be an instant upgrade over the triumvirate of Antwain Spann, Ray Ventrone, and Matthew Slater.

Bill Belichick and Company have had quite a busy six weeks since the combine. For a full unofficial list of all the interviews, workouts, and visits, take a look at this great post from Seneschal2 at Pats Fans.

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That’s right sports fans–Connor Barwin is being hosted by the Patriots next Monday. So now that we know he’s coming to Patriot Place, the question is, should he pack for a a day or just hire a moving van already. I’d opt for the latter.

According to Barwin’s agent Scott Smith, courtesy of Reiss Pieces, the Chiefs (surprise!) and the Patriots are the only teams to privately work out the Big East’s sack leader from 2008. Both teams have openings in their 3-4 defensive fronts and also have future uncertainty at the tight end position.

As its been mentioned once or twice before, Barwin’s versatility is going to shine most in a team with strong Belichick influence. Therefore, the Chiefs, Patriots, and Broncos are all teams that should have their eye on this Bearcat.

We’ve got Connor in our contact list from a previous interview, so we’ll try and get some reaction from him after his workout on Monday, so stay tuned.

Update: XAM Sports and Connor have again been very gracious and we’ll get a chance to talk to Connor on Tuesday. Look for a post Tuesday night.

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