New England Patriots: 5 Reasons Why LaMarr Woodley Would Work Out in New England

One of the New England Patriots' top priorities this offseason will be the outside linebacker position. 

As of right now, the Patriots have Tully Banta-Cain, Rob Ninkovich, and Jermaine Cunningham serving the duties of outside linebacker. None of those players should be considered an every down linebacker, and New England needs to address this via the draft or free agency. 

Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley would be a perfect fit for Bill Belichick and his 3-4 defense. 

Rumor has it that the Steelers will place their franchise tag on Woodley, but Woodley and his agent have been very vague on the details. 

If Woodley does enter the free agent market and if there's a new CBA, then New England should do whatever it takes to sign Woodley to a long-term goal.

Here is five reasons why:

NOTE: This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net.

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Hard-Nose Football Player

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: LaMarr Woodley #56 of the Pittsburgh Steelers tackles LaDainian Tomlinson #21 of the New York Jets during the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers won 24-19.

Throughout Woodley's career, he has been a part of one of the league's most physical and tough defenses, the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

After New England's devastating loss to the New York Jets in the playoffs, many speculated that New England has lost their toughness and that they aren't as physical as they used to be. 

If the Patriots added Woodley, he would add more toughness, and he may even inspire Vince Wilfork and Jerod Mayo to "lay out the wood" some more. 

Veteran Experience

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TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 01: LaMarr Woodley #56 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates with the fans after their 27-23 win against the Arizona Cardinals during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Chris M

Woodley is a four year pro and has gained a lot of experience with the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

In just four seasons, Woodley has been to two Super Bowls, winning one. Along with this two Super Bowl appearances, Woodley was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2009. 

Woodley has been a part of one of the elite teams over the past few years in the NFL. The Steelers have been always atop the NFL in recent years and have star-studded defense.

In Woodley's time in Pittsburgh, he has played with players such as Troy Polamalu, James Farrior, Casey Hampton, Brett Keisel, and James Harrison.

By adding Woodley to the Patriots roster, he would bring experience in the Super Bowl, along with experience playing with some of the best defenders in the league.  

Hasn't Hit His Prime Yet

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: LaMarr Woodley #56 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates their 24 to 19 win over the New York Jets in the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/G

Woodley, who is only 26 years old, has been one of the league's top pass rushers and outside linebackers the past few years. 

All of the success that Woodley has had, he's had at such a young age of 26, and hasn't even hit his prime yet. 

Not including Woodley's rookie season, he's recorded a total of at least 10 sacks every year, which is extremely impressive. 

He has a lot to offer and still has a lot of room to still develop. 

Every Down Outside Linebacker

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: LaMarr Woodley #56 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up prior to their game against the Green Bay Packers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Image

Woodley is an every down outside linebacker, and that's something New England doesn't really have. 

Woodley is not only a terrific pass rusher, but he is just as effective against the run. 

For Pittsburgh this season, Woodley put up solid numbers as he finished with a total of 50 tackles, forcing three fumbles. 

Banta-Cain, Cunningham, and Ninkovich are all quality players, however, they're not every down linebackers.

Top Pass Rusher

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 19: Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets is rushed by LaMarr Woodley #56 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the game on December 19, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Woodley is best known, and most feared, for his pass rushing abilities. 

Playing the outside linebacker position, Woodley posses skills of being extremely fast and explosive off the ball with great technique, along with being a bone-bruising defender. 

Last season, Woodley played in all 16 games and recorded a total of 10 sacks. The year before, Woodley ended with 13.5 sacks.

In Woodley's four year career, he has racked up a total of 39 sacks, making him one of the elite pass rushers in the league. 

New England has had a hard time of getting to the quarterback ever since Mike Vrabel, Willie McGinest, and Richard Seymour left. By adding Woodley, New England would see some major changes to the way teams pass block their front seven.