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Iowa football: Possible landing spots for former Packer Mike Daniels

By Andrew Wade

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 27: Defensive end Mike Daniels #76 of the Green Bay Packers runs with the football after an inceptions in the second quarter of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 27, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 27: Defensive end Mike Daniels #76 of the Green Bay Packers runs with the football after an inceptions in the second quarter of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 27, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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GREEN BAY, WI – DECEMBER 9: Mike Daniels #76 of the Green Bay Packers does a Lambeau after he scored a touchdown on a fumble recovery at Lambeau Field on December 9, 2012 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Tom Lynn/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI – DECEMBER 9: Mike Daniels #76 of the Green Bay Packers does a Lambeau after he scored a touchdown on a fumble recovery at Lambeau Field on December 9, 2012 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Tom Lynn/Getty Images) /

New England Patriots

This move just makes too much sense. Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots love grabbing Iowa football players, and the Patriots have a need on the defensive line.

Last season, New England ranked 29th in yards per carry allowed at an average of 4.9 yards per carry while they ranked 2nd to last in sacks with just 30.

Despite missing part of last season due to injury, Daniels still got 2 sacks and posted a 78.5 pass rushing grade (9th best for interior defensive line).

What I love most about this fit though is the versatility of Daniels and the ability of the Patriots to maximize productivity of versatile players like Daniels.

Furthermore, with today’s emphasis on interior pass rush in the NFL, Daniels could play a key role in pass rush downs from that spot.

The only hindrance could possibly be money. New England has less than $7 million left in cap space this season, but if Daniels is looking to win a Super Bowl, he may be willing to take a pay cut for an opportunity to play with perennial contender New England.

Next. Top 5 recruiting classes in Kirk Ferentz era. dark

At the age of 30, it’ll be interesting to see the market and interest that the former Iowa football player generates, but this is certainly going to get a few teams excited about the possibility of improving their defensive line play heading into 2019.