miDeuce

I think he'd be worth a look, better schematic fit than Paris Lennon (though not sure if he can help on STs), and has the size we've missed since Ted J. I mean, not out of the question he could take Bruschi's job as 2 down run stuffer (as much as I love Tedy)...

BradyManny

Any reason why he was released?

miDeuce

Not sure, I know he lost the starter job last year. But haven't seen the details/analysis yet...

EDIT... PFT LINK

Rob0729

I'm not really sure he is a better schematic fit or not. Just because he played ILB in the Chargers' 3-4 doesn't mean he would do well in the Pats' 3-4. The Chargers run an one-gap 3-4 defense. Wilhelm probably hasn't had much experience trying to shed blocks from guards like he would with the Patriots. Not all 3-4s are the same.

He could be a good fit for the Pats. I don't know enough about him. But just because he played in the 3-4 doesn't mean he can play in the Pats' 3-4.

Rob0729

Here's Scout Inc's take on the guy:

They give him a grade of 61 which is the low end of the average starter.

Matt Wilhelm Stats, News, Photos - San Diego Chargers - ESPN

miDeuce

Well just from a size standpoint he might be a better fit. He's 6' 4", 245... 2 inches and 10 pounds on Lenon. For that alone he would add something the Pats don't have in their ILB crop. Of course he might not have the skills that translate to the Pats 3-4 and he lost his starting job so clearly he's not an Adam Seward-type or anything.

BradyManny

Interesting, they do reference the ability to take on blockers. Do you happen to know what grade Scouts Inc gave Lenon for comparison?

spacecrime

If the Chargers play 1-gap 3-4, shooting the gap, wouldn't that mean that there are MORE guards getting into the LB area? The 2-gap is where the DL holds their guy at the point of attack? I don't know, just wondering, but I do agree that all 3-4 players do not fit all 3-4 schemes.

Edit: To address someone's point about needing another Ted Johnson type, why? Even when he was here, BB replaced him early on with Roman Phifer, who was more mobile. Ted Johnson's been gone for 5-6 years now, and BB has never made an attempt to replace his type, even with a UFDA.

__________________
“When we look at the board, based on everything we want in a football player at that particular time, we evaluate them and take the player that fits best for our football team. That’s what we always do, and I think the last nine years we’ve put a pretty competitive team out there on the field every year. I think that’s how you do it – you get good football players. Sometimes they are not always at the No. 1 position, but I don’t think you pass up good football players to get the guys who aren’t as good just because they’re at a position that somebody feels you need.”
BB on his draft philosophy, April 2010

Warren94

I wouldn't mind him one bit. If he can take on blockers get some tutoring from bruschi you never know.

NEPatriot

Agreed, let's bring him in. I thought he would be a good fit coming out of college. He's been somewhat of a whipping boy in SD.