Tyrone

McKenzie

It doesn’t sound like McKenzie will be cleared for contact just yet, but he’s recovering nicely after tearing his ACL three practices into rookie camp last season. McKenzie may be eased back in with special teams work now that second-rounder Brandon Spikes is on board.

The 97th overall pick in the 2009 draft, McKenzie has flatlined as a special teamer only in the league. He never made a run at defensive playing time.

After picking up two second round picks in next year’s draft for fourth round picks, New England had to use this one because it was compensatory. McKenzie was very productive, but bounced between three colleges. McKenzie is a high effort player who has three down ability and projects to be an inside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. He’ll compete with Gary Guyton to ultimately replace Tedy Bruschi.

McKenzie, the second of the Pats’ two third-round picks, was slated to battle Tedy Bruschi for snaps at inside linebacker and help on special teams. The untimely injury happened in a non-contact drill. Bruschi’s job is now safe.

We’ll let you know if it’s serious. Considering it’s the Patriots, that will only be when he’s placed on injured reserve. McKenzie is in line to compete for snaps right away at inside linebacker.

McKenzie wasn’t a holdout; he tore his ACL during the Pats’ first offseason minicamp and will miss the season. The No. 97 overall pick projects as an inside linebacker in New England’s 3-4. He’ll battle for a roster spot in 2010.

McKenzie will have had a full 12 months to recover by the start of spring practices after tearing his ACL at New England’s initial 2009 minicamp. The former third-round pick has an impressive skill set and is a sleeper to start. McKenzie has speed, an area where the Pats need to upgrade defensively.

McKenzie, who requested his release from the Patriots last month, will provide depth to a linebacking corps that recently lost Quincy Black for the season.

McKenzie reportedly asked for his release to pursue options with other football teams. He was picked in the third round just a year ago.

The 2009 third-round pick was beat out for a special teams job by Tracy White.