Dominique Easley (knee) -- who finished the 2014 season on IR -- hopes to be ready for OTAs in April, Ben Volin of the Boston Globe reports.

Easley (knee) -- who finished the 2014 season on IR -- hopes to be ready for OTAs in April, Ben Volin of the Boston Globe reports.

Analysis:

The report relays that Easley avoided offseason knee surgery and assuming no setbacks, the 2014 first-rounder appears poised to see an expanded role this coming season, in the wake of the Patriots' decision to not pick up Vince Wilfork's 2015 contract option. As a rookie, Easley was limited to 10 tackles and a sack in 11 games, but now further removed from the knee issues that preceded him being drafted by New England, Easley has the potential to emerge as a key pass-rusher for the team in his second pro season.