Rob Ninkovich is basically Mike Vrabel 2.0.
He wears the same number (50) as the former Patriots great, he has the same type of versatility (playing outside linebacker in the 4-3 and also defensive end in some packages), he was similarly picked up off the scrape heap and he went to a Big Ten school (in his case Purdue and not Ohio State like Vrabel).
It goes without saying that Ninkovich still has a ways to go to reach anything close to what Vrabel did in his Pats career but so far, he's had a nice two seasons for a guy that was signed in August 2009 as an anonymous free agent that figured to be cut when the preseason ended.
As such, the 27-year-old Ninkovich was rewarded recently with a two-year extension on his deal through 2013; terms were not disclosed. His current contract ran out after this season so it gives the journeyman (3 teams in his NFL career) some peace of mind.
After showing not much in 2009 with 23 total tackles and one sack in 15 games, he exploded for a monster-year (by his standards) in 2010. He had 45 solo tackles and 17 assists, four sacks, three fumble recoveries and two interceptions. New England's defense has struggled in recent years to get big plays and Ninkovich has shown some glimpses of that type of ability when it counted.
In 2011, look for him to build on last season and have a similar if not even better year assuming he stays healthy. Also, keep in mind that Ninkovich fills one of Patriots head coach Bill Belichick's favorite roles: the undrafted underdog. It's a good tactic to always have a few under appreciated guys around that will be more than happy to be playing in the NFL. A team of high draft picks will never get it done without a mix of more hard-working type players that can push the superstars.
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