Patriots Add DL A.J. Francis Off Waivers from Dolphins

The New England Patriots have added some depth to their defensive line, as they have claimed defensive tackle A.J. Francis off waivers from the Miami Dolphins.  Field Yates of ESPN Boston reports:

The Patriots have claimed DT AJ Francis off of waivers, per a league source. UDFA for Miami this year. Roster now at 52. 4 DT's on roster.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 1, 2013

Francis, undrafted in April out of Maryland, has excellent size for the position at 6'5" and 316 lbs.  He projects to inside in the 4-3, but could also be a factor at 5-technique in the 3-4 (a scheme he excelled at for Maryland in 2012).

Francis had a strong preseason for the Dolphins, and was a notable cut for them.  In fact, they had intended on bringing him back to their practice squad had he not been claimed off waivers by the Patriots.

With the move, the Patriots roster now stands at 52.  At defensive tackle, the Patriots are now four deep -- Vince Wilfork, Tommy Kelly, Joe Vellano, and Francis round out the depth chart.