UDFA Snapshot: David Andrews

The next undrafted free agent snapshot will be on Georgia Center David Andrews. Andrews comes from a very well-regarded program for churning out NFL talent, and was a big piece for a successful rushing attack for the Bulldogs. That culminated in RB Todd Gurley getting selected 10th overall by the St. Louis Rams in the 2015 Draft. Andrews is a player I believe has a good chance of fighting for a roster spot, because it's easier to transition from center to guard than vice-versa. The Patriots were heavily linked to Andrews when Bill Belichick personally worked him out at Georgia's Pro Day and the need for IOL depth behind the starters. With the selections of Tre Jackson and Shaq Mason in the 4th round, Andrews probably won't crack the starting lineup for the foreseeable future. However, he has the traits the Patriots like with their IOL: Toughness, good football IQ, and multiple years of production.

Pro Day #s:

HT: 6'2"
WT: 295
10-20-40: 1.71-2.87-5.12
Vertical: 30"
Broad Jump: 9'0"
5-10-5 Shuttle: 4.78
3-Cone: 8.12

Video:

vs. South Carolina (2014)

At 6'2" 295, Andrews is a bit undersized to be a center at the NFL level. The major concern moving forward is functional strength at the point of attack, especially against some of the bigger nose tackles in the NFL. Andrews mobility and football intelligence makes him an ideal backup for both guard spots and center, just like Dan Connolly and Ryan Wendell before him. A three-year starter at the center position, Andrews has a lot of experience at the position and has seen every type of front possible. The Patriots could end up going with multiple potential offensive line combinations with their starting five, with Cameron Fleming as the big wild card at guard. Regardless of who the starting five are and where they line up, the job for Andrews is no different.

The value of having a player who can plug in at all three interior offensive line positions means a lot to the team, as they typically draft/sign centers and develop them at guard. That value would keep Andrews on the 46-man roster should he make the 53-man roster. In addition, a spot on the kickoff team could come down to him and Shaq Mason as a 2nd level blocker. If Andrews can perform at a similar level to Patriots super sub IOL Ryan Wendell, the cap savings the team could get will likely propel Andrews to the 53. The Patriots have 7 out of a likely 8 OL spots (could be 9) already locked up, so the final spot could come down to Wendell and Andrews. Should Andrews not make the team, he would be an excellent practice squad player for a year (barring a waiver claim or a team signing him from the practice squad) before taking on the Wendell role of Super Sub in 2016.