With rookie Tyrone McKenzie out for the year with a torn right ACL the Patriots need a backup ILB behind Bruschi and Mayo. Here is a list of the best available free agent ILBs (yes I think they need an OLB too)...
Rocky Boiman (6-4, 236) -- The 29-year-old had a career-high nine starts last season for the Chiefs. He's played for the Titans (2002-2005) and Colts (2006-2007).
Napoleon Harris (6-3, 253) -- Most recently with the Vikings, the 30-year-old Harris reportedly visited with the Steelers this week as a possibility to replace Larry Foote.
Teddy Lehman (6-2, 238) -- At 27, injuries have limited his production over five seasons with Detroit (2004-2007) and Buffalo (2008).
Paris Lenon (6-2, 235) -- The 31-year-old started every game over the last three seasons for the Lions, and previously played for the Packers (2002-2005).
Shantee Orr (6-0, 246) -- The 27-year-old was a one-time starter in Houston (2005-2006). He played 15 games as a reserve last year in Cleveland.
Junior Seau (6-3, 250) -- Last year, the 40-year-old said the only team he'd play for is the Patriots and filled in admirably down the stretch. Perhaps he'd consider it again.
Dontarrious Thomas (6-2, 241) -- The 2004 second-round draft choice has 10 career starts over the last five seasons with the Vikings, but none in the last two years.
Nate Webster (6-0, 232) -- Entering his 10th season, he started the last two seasons in Denver, but wasn't deemed a fit for the 3-4 that Josh McDaniels hopes to implement (Boston.com).
I think Seau is all done, and I hate him anyways, so my choice would be Napoleon Harris. He is a big guy that could stuff the run up the middle. It is a nice change of pace from the undersized Bruschi in the middle. The rest of this list I think sucks, but the Pats are going to need to make a move, because of the lack of depth. They could also use another OLB since overall they are very weak on one side. There are still rumors about Taylor coming to the Patriots though, so we will have to wait and see.
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