The rookie gives injury-ridden New England a big hand.

FOXBORO, Mass. (AP) – There are apparently few roles on a football field that are too big or too small for Patriots rookie Dan Klecko to fill.

Klecko is proving so versatile, in fact, it’s becoming increasingly tough to list his position on the team’s roster. Drafted as a nose tackle, the 5-foot-11, 283-pounder from Temple has evolved quickly into a play-anywhere option for the injury-ravaged Patriots.

“I’m just willing to take whatever comes,” the fourth-round draft choice said Monday. “I feel that’s how I’m going to get on the field, by doing anything they ask.”

In Sunday’s 38-30 win over the Tennessee Titans, Klecko saw plays at nose tackle, defensive tackle in a 4-3 alignment, outside linebacker and even as a blocking fullback in goal-line situations, clearing the way for rushing touchdowns by Antowain Smith and Mike Cloud.

“I was just happy to be out there, especially after the first two weeks of not suiting up or anything,” Klecko said. “Every minute I have out there now is a blessing, and I realize that.”

Klecko has a great pedigree – he’s the son of former New York Jets nose tackle Joe Klecko, a four-time Pro Bowl selection. He said his famous father has been very encouraging as he continues to search for a permanent niche on the Patriots’ defense.

But he doesn’t have his father’s size, which left the Patriots coaching staff in a quandary after they drafted him. It was a familiar quandary, coach Bill Belichick said Monday.

“(Inside linebacker Tedy) Bruschi was a lot like that in his rookie year in ’96,” Belichick said. “He was a good football player, but we didn’t know exactly what to do with him and he obviously has created a good role for himself and has had a great career. Whether that will or won’t happen with Dan, I don’t know, but that would be a good comparison there.”

Bruschi, currently tied with safety Rodney Harrison for the team lead in tackles with 36, said he tells Klecko the same things he learned when he came out of Arizona as an undersized, pass-rushing defensive end.

“Study,” Bruschi said, “the one thing that players who have to learn multiple positions have to be is smart. On one series you could be at one position, then at another position on the very next down.”

Klecko, who has six tackles, a sack and a blocked field goal to his credit so far, said he appreciates the veteran’s help, and isn’t at all hesitant to pick Bruschi’s brain for tips.

“I go to ask him what he reads, and what specific things he looks at,” Klecko said. “I try to take the things he knows, because it would be pretty dumb of me not to go ask him questions.

“He’s one of the best middle linebackers in the league now and I’m trying to get there by learning through him.”

AP-ES-10-06-03 1605EDT