Stubblefield is set to tackle mentoring role

A decade later, Stubblefield faces a similar situation, but now he's on the other side.

The Patriots signed Stubblefield Thursday with hopes the 12-year NFL veteran can help their talented young corps of defensive linemen flourish.

"Some of the younger guys can benefit from learning things like preparing for a game," said Stubblefield, a three-time Pro Bowl selection. "Little things like that can extend your career."

Patriots coach Bill Belichick expressed confidence in Stubblefield's versatility. Belichick said the 6-foot-2-inch, 290-pound newcomer should be able to play both nose guard and end in the 3-4 defensive alignment.

"I've always liked his toughness and competitiveness," Belichick said. "We'll see how it goes. It's a new system for him."

Stubblefield said he doesn't anticipate any problems playing multiple positions if needed.

"Last year, I played a little 3-4 and I loved it," he said. "I didn't think I would at first."

Stubblefield is coming off a season in Oakland in which an ankle injury limited him to eight games. He managed 18 tackles, and recorded no sacks for the first time in his pro career.

"I was hurt the whole year," said Stubblefield, who played through a high ankle sprain suffered in a Week 2 victory over the Bengals. "After the Cincinnati game you could see the difference."

There were problems off the field as well.

Stubblefield, along with former Raiders teammates Bill Romanowski, Chris Cooper, and Barret Robbins, tested positive for the designer steroid THG. The NFL fined the players three games' salary last month.

Stubblefield refused to elaborate on the substance violation yesterday in his first public comments since joining the Patriots.

"Of course, [the Patriots] talked about it, but we worked it out," said Stubblefield.

"I wouldn't be here if the guys in the organization didn't believe in me."

San Francisco drafted Stubblefield with the 26th overall pick in 1993 out of the University of Kansas.

He earned defensive rookie of the year honors in '93, recording 10 1/2 sacks. All three of his Pro Bowl invitations (1994, '95, and '97) came during his first stint in San Francisco.