One of the newest members of the Patriots -- offensive tackle Trent Brown -- met with reporters for the first time Thursday afternoon at Gillette Stadium.
Brown was acquired in a trade with the 49ers last Friday before the second and third rounds of the draft.
Standing 6-foot-8, 359 pounds, Brown is one of the biggest offensive linemen in the entire NFL. There was some question as to which side of the line he will play, as he was mostly a right tackle with the 49ers, but it seems the Patriots need the most help on the left. The 25-year-old said he can play both sides.
"I've always played both sides," Brown told reporters. "I started off playing college left. I played left in high school. I really started playing right when I got to the University of Florida. But, switching sides has never been a real big issue for me."
Brown added: "I'm an excellent pass protector and I get after it in the run game. I don't talk too much. You just have to see on Sunday's."
One of the reasons why he was traded was San Francisco felt he was out of shape at times last year and it didn't like the way he showed up to minicamp this spring.
He doesn't believe he was out of shape at all.
"No, I mean, if you watch the film, I don't think it will show," Brown said. "I still did my job at a high level."
"I move well for a big guy," he added. "I don't know if you've seen."
It would appear Brown will compete with all of the tackles on the roster for playing time. Others include Marcus Cannon, rookie Isaiah Wynn, Tony Garcia, Cole Croston and LaAdrian Waddle. Going into a contract year, Brown relishes the competition.
"I mean, I was competing every year," he said. "Every year I was there, somebody was drafted or brought in. So, you know, I've just got to rise to the level of the occasion and do what I do."
