Patriots high on Myron Pryor

The New England Patriots’ latest sixth-round discovery is defensive lineman Myron Pryor.

And the former University of Kentucky standout has shined so far, contributing more than higher-drafted players through three games.

The 6-foot-1, 310-pound defensive lineman played extensively against the Atlanta Falcons, registering three tackles as he replaced injured nose guard Vince Wilfork.

“This week Myron happened to be on the field a little bit more,” Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio said during a conference call today. “Myron, like our other young players, has worked hard. He’s got himself healthy. He’s got himself back out on the field. He had some good plays. He had some bad plays.”

The Patriots were particularly impressed with how Pryor performed against Buffalo Bills first-round offensive lineman Eric Wood against Louisville.

“I think he’d been a productive player against good people in the SEC, or whether it happened to be against Louisville,” Caserio said. “But whoever he played against, despite being a little bit shorter – he had good playing strength, he understood how to play with leverage. He has quickness, so enabled him to get on the edge, and push the pocket or rush the passer.

“As far as why he went in the sixth, maybe he was sort of a tweener. What’s his role going to be? I can’t exactly figure out why he fell, why he ended up where he was. I think we’re glad to have him, and hopefully he will continue to improve, and give us some positive plays when he’s on the field.”

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