After using Oakland Raiders wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson at running back with a ton of success Sunday night against the Green Bay Packers, it looks like Bill Belichick and Co. are attempting to hit lightning in a bottle once again.
According to his agent, former Raiders second-round pick Obi Melifonwu has agreed to terms with the Patriots.
Former Raiders’ second-round pick Obi Melifonwu, whom Oakland released Oct. 23, is signing with the New England Patriots, per @seanstellato.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 5, 2018
Melifonwu, 24, was waived from injured reserve last week and cleared through the waiver process. He had just recently become a free agent, ultimately deciding to sign with the two-time defending AFC champs.
Seen as a top safety prospect from Connecticut back in 2017, Melifonwu was the No. 56 overall pick in that year’s draft.
Unfortunately, injuries and other circumstances limited the safety to five games (one start) as a rookie. He didn’t suit up for the Raiders at all this season prior to being waived.
For the Patriots, this signing seems to make a ton of sense. Why not give Melifonwu a chance after he seemingly didn’t receive a fair shake from Jon Gruden in Oakland?