Just when you thought the Patriots had all the Rutgers players they would need in time for OTAs, think again.
The team came to terms on Monday with former Scarlett Knights wide receiver Mark Harrison on an undrafted free agent deal. Harrison becomes the fifth player from Rutgers that the team has either drafted or signed this offseason, joining Logan Ryan, Duron Harmon, Steve Beauharnais and Brandon Jones.
Harrison is one of the biggest receivers on the team at 6-foot-3 and 231 pounds. Last season at Rutgers, Harrison caught 44 passes for 583 yards and six touchdowns. Scouts have evaluated Harrison as a strong redzone presence and has an ability to "go up and get it". He also has been labeled a solid blocking receiver, likely due to his big frame. The problem with him has apparently been his ability to hold onto the ball.
He's likely to compete with the "X" guys like Aaron Dobson, Josh Boyce, Michael Jenkins and Kamar Aiken. Definitely a valuable guy they may look to stash away on the practice squad, if not keep on their roster potentially. In other words, Harrison has the potential to not be, "Just another Guy".
The team also came to terms with former Notre Dame kicker David Ruffer. Ruffer was a part of a Fighting Irish team that went undefeated during the regular season and connected on 24 of 25 field goals last season.
Ruffer seems to be the annual camp body that will push Stephen Gostkowski, with Chris Koepplin now playing in Buffalo. Belichick is apparently looking for guys to push all of his specialists, signing punter Ryan Allen and long snapper Mike Zupancic to compete with Zoltan Mesko and Danny Aiken, respectively.