Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff April 11, 2009 02:00 PM
With Bill Belichick in attendance at the University of Maryland last Thursday, the Patriots held a private workout with linebacker Moise Fokou and cornerback Kevin Barnes, according to a league source.
The workouts are a small part of the overall scouting process, and were likely needed by the Patriots to finalize their grades on both players.
Belichick's presence, however, is notable. Perhaps the Patriots had some mixed reports on both players and Belichick wanted to see for himself.
Fokou (6-1, 233) projects to inside linebacker in the Patriots' base 3-4 alignment. The Pro Football Weekly Draft Guide rates him as a mid-to-late draft pick, noting that he is athletic and plays best in space, and could contribute immediately as a core special teams player.
Barnes (6-0, 187) is rated as a mid-to-late draft pick, according to the Pro Football Weekly Draft Guide. His time in the short shuttle at the combine likely caught the attention of teams, as his 3.96 led all defensive backs. Barnes has played some safety as well in nickel packages.