2011 NFL Draft: Aldon Smith Set for Private Workout With New England Patriots

For New England Patriots fans who are anxious to see Bill Belichick finally pick up a dynamic pass rusher in the 2011 NFL Draft, this latest bit of news might tickle you silly.

Missouri defensive end Aldon Smith will be the latest prospect in the 2011 NFL Draft to have a private workout with the New England Patriots, according to a tweet posted by KOMU TV's Eric Bloomberg on Tuesday afternoon.

The 6'4", 263-pound defender racked up 19 tackles for loss and 11 sacks in 2009. He was plagued by injuries for much of 2010, but made plays while playing through the pain. He had 10 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks last season with the Tigers.

As always, the first thing Patriots fans should be wondering is whether this is a "decoy workout" or if there is sincere interest on the part of Bill Belichick in Aldon Smith.

As always, the answer to that question will come down to the interview and film session held behind closed doors, something the Patriots do with just about every prospect they bring in for a private workout.

If the Patriots were to draft Smith in the first round, I don't think any Patriots fans would be overly disappointed. He may not have the natural look and feel of an outside linebacker, but he can get after the quarterback effectively and make disruptive plays in the backfield.

There's no denying Smith's skills as a pass rusher, and if he can display the requisite football IQ that Belichick loves—no, needs—to see in his prospects, the Patriots shouldn't hesitate to add him to the front seven.

Drafting Smith could also signal a changing of the guard.

Previously, the Patriots have waited patiently to find the perfect fits for their scheme. They wouldn't spend a high draft pick on an outside linebacker that didn't project out to be a three-down player in their system.

Having played 4-3 defensive end for his entire collegiate career, Smith is still a raw prospect. He even said, "The more I learn about the 3-4 defense, the more I like it."

He may not be a perfect fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker, but with so much talent available in the front seven, one could argue that this is the perfect time to abort that line of thinking, or at least to put it aside for a few days.