LB Rob Ninkovich landed quickly in New England after getting released by the Saints. The 6-2, 255-pound veteran believes he's far better suited as a 3-4 OLB in the NFL, rather than the DE spot he was playing in New Orleans. It's a position that's worked out well for other former undersized Purdue Boilermakers -- including former Patriot Rosevelt Colvin. He also sees some similarities between himself and the guy he's now competing to help replace -- Mike Vrabel. "I was actually reading his bio and it's kind of funny how he was with another team playing defensive end," Ninkovich said. "Because it's a rough position when you are 6-3, 260. You don't have all that weight on you to hold off double teams and the big tackles that are going to be on you. It's a good system for guys that are kind of that 'tweener size where they have the athleticism to pass rush and get to the quarterback but yet they can still hold off a tackle and still make run stopping plays. He's had a great career and I could only dream of anything coming close to that. I just have to work hard and see where it takes me." 89//2009

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