Patriots reportedly sign former second-round pick Obi Melifonwu

The New England Patriots had one of their better defensive performances of the season in their 31-17 win over Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers Sunday night, but they are still looking for ways to improve on that side of the ball heading into Week 10.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Patriots have reached a deal with former Oakland Raiders defensive back Obi Melifonwu, who was the No. 56 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Former Raiders’ second-round pick Obi Melifonwu, whom Oakland released Oct. 23, is signing with the New England Patriots, per @seanstellato.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 5, 2018

Melifonwu was one of the more physically gifted players in the 2017 draft, but he has battled injuries since beginning his NFL career. At 6-foot-4 and 217 pounds, the former UConn star was reliable tackler in college and could provide the Patriots with depth at safety and/or cornerback.