One of the aspects that stands out when watching a Patriots training camp practice is how head coach Bill Belichick gets involved with drills, almost as if he's a position coach. While some head coaches might become more overseers, Belichick has annually maintained a hands-on approach.
The same is true for his role in the personnel evaluation process with college players. Although he isn't as intensely involved in it during the season, this is the time of year when he serves as an extra scout for the team.
This was reminded to me this morning when reporting on some of the players that might interest the Patriots in the draft. During that process, it was learned that Belichick himself put University of Central Florida defensive lineman Torell Troup through a private workout. The workout presumably took place during Belichick's annual Florida trip in March.
Imagine what it was like for Troup.
At 6-foot-3, 314 pounds, Troup is projected as high as a second-round draft choice. He displayed his strength at the combine by totaling 34 repetitions on the 225-pound bench press.
The Patriots have a void at right defensive end and this year's draft is considered deep along the line. With three second-round picks, perhaps they'll strongly consider Troup, who played in 47 games at Central Florida (39 starts) and has seemingly been rising in recent months with a strong performance at the East-West Shrine Game and other workouts.