Source: DB Obi Melifonwu has drawn interest from Patriots

Former Oakland safety Obi Melifonwu, who was cut loose by the Raiders earlier this season, has drawn the interest of the Patriots, according to a league source.


Melifonwu, a UConn product and Grafton native, is a 6-foot-3, 224-pounder who is a hyper-athletic defender. Taken in the second round of last year’s draft, he’s played in five games with one start at the NFL level. He has six career tackles.

One reason why he might be available is his injury history. Melifonwu had knee and hip problems last year that limited his availability. And he was waived off injured reserve earlier this season by Oakland, although now, he’s presumably healthy.

Melifonwu also reportedly visited the Cowboys earlier this week.