Patriots Worked Out Two Gators

Per Albert Breer of the Boston Globe, the New England Patriots worked out both Florida ILB Brandon Spikes and TE Aaron Hernandez the day after Florida’s pro day, which was held on March 17th.

The Patriots lost starting Tight End Ben Watson in Free Agency to the Cleveland Browns. They recently signed Tight End Alge Crumpler, but Crumpler is 32 years old and had just 27 receptions for the Tennessee Titans last season. Hernandez could be either a Tight End or an H-Back on the next level and versatility is a trait that Bill Belichick and the Patriots covet. Hernandez caught 68 passes for 850 yards and five touchdowns for the Gators last season.

Linebacker is another obvious need for the Patriots. If they plan on sticking with a 3-4, Spikes, despite his poor 40-time, could be a good fit at Inside Linebacker next to 2008 Rookie of the Year Jerod Mayo. Spikes had a disappointing senior season, registering just 52 tackles, three sacks and and two interceptions after having huge sophomore and junior seasons. Spikes missed two games due to injury and was suspended a game for gouging the eye of Georgia Running Back Washaun Ealey.

Their former Florida teammate, Tim Tebow, also has a meeting set up with the Patriots.

(Andrew Melnick is Howard the Dunk’s lead blogger and a contributor at NFL Mocks and Sir Charles In Charge. Subscribe to his RSS feed, add him on Twitter to follow him daily and you can get the HTD app here).