The Patriots decided they couldn't wait until the NFL draft later this month to upgrade at inside linebacker, so they waded into the free agent pool and plucked out former Jet Victor Hobson, signing him to a one-year deal.
The acquisition of the 28-year-old Hobson, who spent the first five seasons of his career with New York, is less about the latest broadside in the Border War with the Jets and their coach, Eric Mangini, and more about the Patriots bolstering their linebacking corps.The 6-foot, 252-pound Hobson was used as a strong-side outside linebacker in the Jets' 3-4 defense the last two seasons, but was really not suited for the position. He is stout against the run and has a body type more suited to 3-4 inside linebacker, which is where the Patriots plan to use him.
Last season, Hobson played in all 16 games, starting 14, and finished with 62 tackles and two sacks. His best season came in 2006, when he had 100 tackles, six sacks, and an interception.
"Victor is a good young player with considerable playing experience," said Patriots coach Bill Belichick. "We are excited about his addition to our linebacker unit."
A teammate of Tom Brady's at the University of Michigan, Hobson was taken by the Jets in the second round of the 2003 draft. For his career, Hobson has played in 76 out of a possible 80 games, making 58 starts. He has 343 tackles, 11 sacks, 3 interceptions, 3 fumble recoveries, and 2 forced fumbles.
With Junior Seau still deciding between riding the waves and riding running backs to the ground after surgery for a torn rotator cuff, Hobson's addition, along with the return of Tedy Bruschi, gives the Patriots some security at inside linebacker.
The team also has Eric Alexander, T.J. Slaughter, and Larry Izzo as backups inside, and outside linebackers Mike Vrabel and Adalius Thomas, who spent most of his first season with the Patriots playing inside, both have experience playing inside.
The Patriots also have Pierre Woods as a reserve at outside linebacker and are expected to pick up another outside linebacker later in this month's draft.
University of Arizona cornerback Antoine Cason was in town for a predraft visit yesterday, sitting down with Belichick, among others. Also visiting was Georgia Tech defensive end/linebacker Darrell Robertson.
Troy University's Leodis McKelvin, a strong candidate to be the first cornerback taken in the draft and a possible top-10 selection, is slated to visit next week.
In addition to being a top-notch cover corner, McKelvin is a dangerous kickoff and punt returner. He had eight career return touchdowns (seven punts, one kickoff).
The Patriots will also host Auburn defensive end/linebacker Quentin Groves next week.
NFL teams are allowed up to 30 in-house visits with prospects before the draft. A visit is essentially a final interview and medical check.
