Pierre

Woods

The Pats swoop in to pluck another disgruntled Raider, but this one looks like a fair deal for both teams. The Eagles were reportedly in the mix as well, offering a third-round pick and a player. The talented but injury-prone veteran fills the Pats’ biggest defensive need as a pass rushing presence at weak outside linebacker. He’ll likely replace Pierre Woods as the expected starter while giving the Pats’ defense/special teams a fantasy boost.

Woods, an undrafted FA from Michigan last year, could emerge as the next Tully Banta-Cain at outside linebacker, although his game isn’t as one-dimensional as Banta-Cain’s was. Woods’ main role is on special teams.

Rogers, who played defensive end at SMU, will convert to outside linebacker with the Patriots. He may need to prove more effective than Corey Mays and/or Pierre Woods on special teams to secure a spot in the 53-man roster.

“It was announced as a foot?” asked Belichick. “Then we’ll leave it at that.” Colvin is believed to have injured his arm, and his status for Week 13 is uncertain. Pierre Woods is the Pats’ top reserve at outside linebacker.

Pierre Woods will play on early downs as a run-stopper, with either Tully Banta-Cain or last year’s third-rounder Shawn Crable entering in passing situations. The team remains in the market for a veteran pass rusher such as Oakland’s Derrick Burgess.

Crable will compete for this position with fellow Michigan alum Pierre Woods. New England has discussed bringing in free agent Greg Ellis, but Ellis wants to play in a 4-3 defense. The winner here could generate 5-7 sacks.

Woods, a former undrafted free agent, would be New England’s starting right OLB if the season began today. That’s likely to change on draft weekend, or if the Pats sign Jason Taylor. Woods has just one sack in three seasons.

Reiss sees Burgess’ role as a nickel edge rusher or as an end on plays where the defense switches up to a 4-3 look. Burgess’ job title may as well read “pass rushing specialist.” Pierre Woods remains the favorite for early-down duties at weak outside linebacker.

This could change if Derrick Burgess is acquired, but Woods is running with the first-team defense with Tully Banta-Cain on the second and Pierre Woods still on active/PUP. Still, Woods might be the weakest blitzer of the group.

Britt is a swing tackle who’s played mostly on the right side. Woods, who was undrafted out of Michigan in 2006, would be a starter if the season began today. However, the Patriots are likely to add another OLB high in the draft.