The Patriots have signed former BYU defensive lineman Eathyn after releasing rookie Seali'i Epenesa from UCLA. Eathyn had been looking for a home ever since the New York Giants had waived him on June 19th. Eathyn is currently the only BYU alumni on the Patriots roster.
There has been no official statement about dropping Epenesa for Manumaleuna other than the Patriots saying it was a corresponding roster move. Both defensive lineman are very similar in size and style of play. This could have been a simple move on the Patriots to see if Eathyn will show a little bit more promise and hard work in camp.
The signing of Manumaleuna isn't anything solid for the former BYU standout, who will have to endure training camps and preseason play in order to keep his position on the team. He will have to show that he is a versatile player in both a 3-4 and 4-3 style of defense. The Patriots had the 26th overall defense and can use help wherever they can get it. The job is wide open for Manumaleuna who will have to prove his worth.
The Patriots first preseason game of the season is August 7th against the Washington Redskins. There is a good chance that we can see Manumaleuna and Cody Hoffman on the field at the same time again later in the game.
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