NFL Rookie Free Agents: OT Kyle Hix and TE Will Yeatman Sign with Patriots

Since we last updated the Patriots rookie free agent signings, the team has added another pair of undrafted players.

First, according to Christopher Price of WEEI, the Patriots have agreed to terms with Texas offensive tackle Kyle Hix.  At 6'7", 319 lbs, Hix has great size which he combines with solid strength at the point of attack.  He played both right and left tackle during his career at Texas, meaning he has some versatility.  His side-to-side fluidity isn't the greatest, which has led some to believe that his skillset might be closer to that of a guard.  Here is what the National Football Post had to say on him in their pre-draft scouting report:

A tall, well-built offensive tackle, but isn't real flexible when asked to sit into his stance and struggles keeping his base down on his kick-slide. More of a waist bender who lacks a great first step when asked to reach the corner and tends to consistently lunge into blocks. Has the length to at least get his hands on pass rushers who are trying to reach the edge, but lacks balance in his lower half and is really susceptible to any kind of counter move. Is really heavy footed when exposed in space and consistently struggles to handle any kind of speed/athleticism in the pass game.

I think that Hix is a solid player, and I could see him sticking around on the practice squad.

According to his own twitter feed, the other UDFA that the Patriots have added is Will Yeatman, the tight end out of Maryland.  At 6'6, 270 lbs, Yeatman is a blocking tight end who could be a possible tackle convert.  He was a dual-sport athlete at Maryland (lacrosse and football), and looks like a player in the mold of Steve Maneri or Lee Smith (and could very well be competing with those two for a roster or practice squad spot).