(Continuing a month-long series analyzing players who are on the roster bubble and where they may potentially fit in 2012.)
NAME: Myron Pryor
POSITION: Defensive tackle
AGE: 26
2011 STATS: 2 games (no starts), 2 total tackles, 0.5 sacks -- placed on injured reserve on Sept. 21
INJURY STATUS: Missed organized team activities and mandatory minicamp with an undisclosed injury
CHANCE OF MAKING 53-MAN ROSTER: 75%
WHY HE SHOULD MAKE IT: The Patriots did not draft or sign a free agent defensive tackle this offseason, leaving little competition for the roster spot Pryor has held since being drafted in 2009. When healthy, Pryor is a versatile player capable of filling in for Vince Wilfork at nose tackle in a 3-4 formation while also shooting gaps as an interior rusher on a four-man line.
WHY HE SHOULD NOT MAKE IT: Pryor's biggest issue in his first three seasons has been injuries, and that trend has continued thus far this offseason, with Pryor not participating in organized team activities or mandatory minicamp. He has been held out of action since 2009 at various points for calf, back, groin, chest and shoulder injuries. The Patriots' options at reserve defensive tackle are slim, but if Pryor is unable to stay on the field during training camp, the team may turn elsewhere.
CLOSEST COMPETITION: DT Gerard Warren, DT Ron Brace, DT Marcus Forston