Patriots claim Gilbert Pena off waivers from Packers

[Brady6]

Here is a good background story on Peña:

Resilient Gilbert Peña thankful for NFL chance

Packers rookie defensive tackle Gilbert Peña had reached a point where he was almost maxed out on the adversity he could shoulder. There was his mom's illness, his responsibility as the man of the house, a broken hand, his new daughter and a bad season.

But he had also developed resiliency.
​

Seems like a nice kid, hopefully he can come in and earn a spot; we could really use somebody behind Wilfork and Kelly who is capable of 2 gaping. I think the Patriots may regret their decision to unload both Deaderick and Love given the Armstead illness and none of the UDFA stepping up.

It is noteworthy to mention the player many were advocating for prior to the draft, and questioning the non-selection of after the draft Jesse Williams was placed on season ending injured reserve by the Seahawks yesterday with a knee injury to the same knee that scared most teams away during the draft.

 

[DefenseRules]

Seems like a nice kid, hopefully he can come in and earn a spot; we could really use somebody behind Wilfork and Kelly who is capable of 2 gaping. I think the Patriots may regret their decision to unload both Deaderick and Love given the Armstead illness and none of the UDFA stepping up.

It is noteworthy to mention the player many were advocating for prior to the draft, and questioning the non-selection of after the draft Jesse Williams was placed on season ending injured reserve by the Seahawks yesterday with a knee injury to the same knee that scared most teams away during the draft.

I agree. I hope he makes it.

 

[captain stone]

Cap'n, I get the impression that White hasn't impressed people off the field. Remember that the Steelers released him last year too, after he reportedly showed up hopelessly out of shape.

Been reading a few pieces on him, and yes he seemed to have started minicamp for PitsDirt
out of shape. He then was hurt before minicamp even ended, was waived/injured, placed
on IR after going unclaimed, and was later released after receiving an injury settlement.

Has he learned his lesson? Maybe, maybe not; but he was the best DT vs the Loins not named
Kelly or Forston. If he's not the answer, then neither are Pena, Vallone or Vellano.

 

[lurker1965]

OK, this is a weird thought. I don't know if we are doing this, or even if it is feasible.

A 4-3 defense with one DT a conventional 1 gaping penetrator and one 2 gaping like in a 3-4. It is essentially a 3-4, but with a ILB playing on the line.

Yes, the DE-OLB part is messed up in a hybrid like that - but not incurably so. Just I'd rather BB do it than me.

 

[Oswlek]

OK, this is a weird thought. I don't know if we are doing this, or even if it is feasible.

A 4-3 defense with one DT a conventional 1 gaping penetrator and one 2 gaping like in a 3-4. It is essentially a 3-4, but with a ILB playing on the line.

Yes, the DE-OLB part is messed up in a hybrid like that - but not incurably so. Just I'd rather BB do it than me.

AWTE over on Patriots Planet has posted examples of NE doing just this.

 

[ExpatPack]

Thank you for the information.

The Packers are still running a 34 front correct? I guess I am just curious how a 330 pound guy with poor athletic metrics fits into our defense now, he seems to be the type of player we’ve been trying to move away from.

Yes they are, but with Dom Capers and his various nickel schemes that half the defense doesn't fully understand or buy, it's hard to know what they run.

But anyway, Pena was outdone by Ryan Pickett and BJ Raji, which was expected. And by the development of Mike Daniels and CJ Wilson, both of whom have looked really good in TC. Then there's Johnny Jolly who was a starter back in 2008 before he got suspended indefinitely for using codeine for more than just easing the pain. He's back.

Since the Pats switch back and forth from a 3-4 to a 4-3, Pena could have his uses.