Here is a guy I would like the Pats to get IF the $$$ is right. Here are a few blurbs I got of the internet on him:
*MLB Derek Smith 6'2" 245 49ers - Smith could be on the way out as a free agent. He has very good range, great instincts, and is a very likeable workmanlike player that younger players seem to love. His leadership would be a great addition.
*LB Derek Smith
Solid middle linebacker who also can play outside. Very smart and dedicated. More tough than physical.
*As the 49ers plummeted to the bottom of the NFL, Derek Smith's play has largely gone unnoticed. But it shouldn't. He adeptly takes on blockers, and he might now be more effective in San Francisco's 3-4 defense.
*Meanwhile, the underrated Derek Smith remains as productive as ever at inside linebacker in the 49ers' 3-4 alignment. Smith has topped 100 tackles for the ninth consecutive season, which ties him with Tampa's Derrick Brooks and Miami's Zach Thomas for the longest such streak in the NFL.
*49ers MLB Derek Smith is an underrated player, someone who does a good job of aligning the defense, calling signals and understanding the game. The defense is set up to funnel plays in Smith's direction. He's solid on tackles and rarely out of position. He has good speed for his size (6-2, 245), though the team tries to keep him from having to do much in pass coverage.
*MLB Derek Smith 6'2" 245 49ers - Smith could be on the way out as a free agent. He has very good range, great instincts, and is a very likeable workmanlike player that younger players seem to love. His leadership would be a great addition.
*LB Derek Smith
Solid middle linebacker who also can play outside. Very smart and dedicated. More tough than physical.
*As the 49ers plummeted to the bottom of the NFL, Derek Smith's play has largely gone unnoticed. But it shouldn't. He adeptly takes on blockers, and he might now be more effective in San Francisco's 3-4 defense.
*Meanwhile, the underrated Derek Smith remains as productive as ever at inside linebacker in the 49ers' 3-4 alignment. Smith has topped 100 tackles for the ninth consecutive season, which ties him with Tampa's Derrick Brooks and Miami's Zach Thomas for the longest such streak in the NFL.
*49ers MLB Derek Smith is an underrated player, someone who does a good job of aligning the defense, calling signals and understanding the game. The defense is set up to funnel plays in Smith's direction. He's solid on tackles and rarely out of position. He has good speed for his size (6-2, 245), though the team tries to keep him from having to do much in pass coverage.
