Albert Haynesworth: Where He Fits, How He Impacts New England Patriots Defense

When the New England Patriots traded a fifth-round pick to the Washington Redskins for Albert Haynesworth, according to multiple sources, this morning, many fans wondered if he could be effective again. Bill Belichick has driven some unmotivated individuals before, but Haynesworth's track record may be worse than anything Belichick has tackled before.

Those who know him, though, know that he won't put up with the childish antics of "Fat Albert." Likewise, Haynesworth has only had nice things to say about the Patriots in the past, and will likely work his butt off to fall in good favor with one of the greatest head coaches of our era.

"I'm actually a big Tom Brady fan. I'm a big Patriots fan," Haynesworth said. "I've always liked the Patriots, I've always liked Coach [Bill] Belichick. I just like the way [Brady] is."

With all that aside, the question immediately becomes, how will he contribute to the Patriots defense? In that sense, some interesting ideas have been floating around about how Haynesworth will be used, and what his impact will be.

This article from Kerry Byrne of Cold, Hard Football Facts gives us an in-depth look at Haynesworth's play on third down, an area of concern for the Patriots headed into 2011.

Still, the evidence is inconclusive as to what Haynesworth will contribute.

It's easier to tell, however, when and where he'll contribute. Haynesworth played defensive tackle in Tennessee in the 4-3, and nose tackle in Washington in the 3-4. The Patriots run a good mix of both fronts, which is good news for Haynesworth who was vocally upset with his new role in the 3-4 when coach Shanahan assigned him to the nose tackle spot.

In that sense, he landed in a great spot. The Patriots run a good mix of fronts, and even used the sub package (featuring a four-man front) 57 percent of the time in 2010.

Not only were the Patriots the league's worst third-down defense last year, allowing just over 47-percent conversions, they were also one of the league's worst third-down defenses of the modern era.

His presence will help bolster a third-down defense that registered just eight sacks on third down in 2010, according to ESPN Stats and Info.

In those situations, Haynesworth will get his chances to come off the leash and go after the quarterback.

He was incredibly effective in the 4-3 front, tallying 14.5 sacks in his two final seasons with the Titans. He was an All-Pro selection both times.

Of course, he's been highly ineffective and even more controversial these past two seasons with the Redskins. That said, he could still play some end in the 3-4, as Vince Wilfork currently occupies the nose tackle spot. Perhaps Belichick could convince him to play that spot like Shanahan couldn't.

For Patriots fans who clamored for a pass rusher all offseason long, it looks like you got your wish. It just wasn't the stud outside linebacker everyone thought it would be.

Mike Dussault and I have both tooted the horn for the interior pass rush all offseason long on our podcast (find them in the link below), and that is exactly what Haynesworth brings to the table. A fierce inside rush can be just as effective as an outside one, and sometimes even more so. A solid interior rush means the quarterback will have less of an opportunity to step into his throws.

It could also push the quarterback to the outside of the pocket, where one of the outside linebackers could be waiting.

There's no doubt that he can find a fit somewhere in the defense, be it in the base 3-4 or the sub package. Haynesworth will be in direct competition with a lot of talented depth including Mike Wright, Myron Pryor, Ron Brace, Kyle Love and others.

The proposition of a three-man front featuring Haynesworth, Wilfork and Ty Warren has some thinking that the Patriots could have the pieces in place for a heavily improved defensive effort in 2011.

Erik Frenz is the co-host of the PatsPropaganda and Frenz podcast. Follow Erik on Twitter @erikfrenz.