The 2010 NFL Draft is considered deep along the defensive line, which has traditionally been a position the Patriots target. One mid-round possibility the team might consider is North Carolina's Aleric Mullins.

As part of their pre-draft preparations, the Patriots put Mullins through a private workout in Chapel Hill last week.

Given that the Patriots have interviewed or worked out more than 215 players, it's dangerous to read too much into one workout. More than anything, it's a step in the evaluation process as the Patriots gather as much information as possible.

The private workout with Mullins is probably tied to the fact that he didn't work out at the NFL combine.

At 6-foot-1, 321 pounds, the athletic Mullins probably projects to nose tackle in the Patriots' 3-4 defense. Some scouts reportedly had him with a 40 time in the 4.8/4.9 range at his Pro Day, which is very good for a player his size.