Patriots scout versatile end
Barwin displays Vrabel-like ability
In trading Mike Vrabel this offseason, the Patriots parted ways with a versatile pass rusher and part-time tight end. As part of their college scouting, the Patriots are taking a close look at arguably the most Vrabel-like prospect in the draft.
University of Cincinnati defensive end Connor Barwin is scheduled to visit Gillette Stadium Monday, according to his agent, Scott Smith.
Barwin, who tied for the Big East lead with 11 sacks as a senior and is considered a first- or second-round possibility, could be the pass-rushing presence the Patriots are seeking to boost a third-down defense that ranked 26th last season. He was a tight end his first three years at Cincinnati.
At 6 feet 3 7/8 inches and 257 pounds, he would likely be an outside linebacker in the Patriots' base 3-4 alignment. He could also play in a three-point stance on third down.
Some teams are also looking at Barwin solely as a tight end, Smith said.
The Patriots have had first-year tight ends coach Shane Waldron put Barwin through a private workout.
"The Patriots are a team we have kept track of because of Connor's versatility, who he is as a person, and who he is as an athlete," Smith said. "It seems like a good fit. Obviously, we're excited they are bringing him in for a visit. Connor is looking forward to the trip."
The Patriots and Chiefs have privately worked out Barwin and also have him scheduled for a predraft visit.
Smith said six teams plan to host Barwin.
Predraft visits could mean a variety of things - genuine interest, a smoke screen, or perhaps a final medical checkup. NFL teams are allowed 30 predraft visits.
Second-year linebacker Gary Guyton was the beneficiary of such a bump (before taxes), as part of the NFL's performance-based pay program.
Guyton was the No. 2-ranked Patriots earner, behind quarterback Matt Cassel ($238,160).
Performance-based pay, created as part of the NFL's 2002 collective bargaining agreement extension with the NFL Players Association, creates a fund used to supplement player compensation based on a comparison of playing time to salary.
Players become eligible in any regular season in which they play at least one official down (Tom Brady, for example, earned $121 in 2008).
Guyton signed a two-year contract as an undrafted free agent last year. His 2008 base salary was $295,000.
"Gary felt redeemed because he thought he would be drafted last year, and now he got paid commensurate with his abilities," said his agent, Richard Kopelman. "He told me he plans to get more next year because he plans to work that much harder."
Guyton, who is taking part in the Patriots' offseason program, played in 32 percent of the defensive snaps last season. His primary role was to replace Tedy Bruschi on third down and obvious passing situations.
After Cassel and Guyton, rookie cornerback Jonathan Wilhite ($173,286), offensive tackle Mark LeVoir ($130,176), tight end David Thomas ($127,000), outside linebacker Pierre Woods ($126,941), receiver Matthew Slater ($125,112), safety James Sanders ($115,540), cornerback Lewis Sanders ($105,950), and guard Logan Mankins ($100,187) rounded out the Patriots' top 10 in performance-based pay.
Mike Reiss can be reached at mreiss@globe.com. 