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Patriots can thank Ravens for Wilfork

INDIANAPOLIS -- Would you trade Kyle Boller for Vince Wilfork?

The Baltimore Ravens essentially did in the 2003 draft. Wanting to select Boller with the 19th overall pick, the Ravens traded their second-round pick in 2003 and their first-rounder in 2004 to the New England Patriots.

Baltimore got a quarterback who compiled a 20-22 record as a starter, and the Patriots used that 2004 first-round pick on Wilfork, who turned into a four-time Pro Bowl nose tackle.

Wilfork was fourth on the Patriots this season with 74 tackles, but what stood out was his turnovers. Listed at 325 pounds, Wilfork returned two interceptions for 28 and 19 yards.

“You can talk about his appearance -- maybe it’s not the classic appearance -- but he’s a good athlete," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Monday. "He’s in good shape and he works real hard."

Wilfork has been a terror in the postseason. He leads the Patriots with 2.5 sacks and three quarterback hits.