Bobby Carpenter hasn't lived up to the billing he had coming out of Ohio State as a first-round pick in 2006, but the newly acquired linebacker could be a very productive find for the Patriots.
Speaking Thursday night on SIRIUS XM NFL Radio, Carpenter said, "Ive always been a huge fan of Coach Belichick and the Patriots and the way theyve done things. They were willing to bring me in and I couldnt wait. Im really excited to be part of the New England Patriots franchise and everything they stand for."
Carpenter found a role as a backup and third-down linebacker with the Lions last year. A longtime workout partner with former Patriot Mike Vrabel, Carpenter seems to understand the role he creates in New England is up to him.
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"If you have a specific talent theyre going to find a way to utilize that, on either side of the ball, whatever it is," he said. "Thats why you see so many guys playing and so many guys contributing in different ways. They do an excellent job of talent utilization and really try to find a way to get all 53 guys on the roster onto the field at some point in time so they can help the team win games.
By just about every measurable term, they are the most successful franchise in the last 10 years," Carpenter said of the Patriots. "Theyve been to five Super Bowls and won three. They have a terrific quarterback and terrific coaches. I dont know really what else you could hope for as a player going to a team."
Best thing about Carpenter? He's still only 28.