Warren's 11-year career reportedly will continue in New England. (US Presswire)

Although former No. 3 overall pick Gerard Warren hasn’t had the most impressive career for a highly-rated draft pick, he’s still in the league after 11 seasons, finding work as a backup defensive tackle with the Patriots last year.

Although his statistics have been rather mediocre (12 tackles and one sack in 12 games last year; 28 tackles and 3.5 sacks while starting 10 of 16 New England contests in 2010), the Patriots still feel like he can be a productive member of their organization.

That’s why, according to CSN New England, the Patriots reportedly will re-sign Warren for the 2012 season.

New England picked up a couple defensive ends in the draft, including first-round pick Chandler Jones, but the Patriots didn’t select any help for the defensive line interior. That means Warren, a free agent, could continue to provide quality backup play and strong locker room leadership for New England.

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