On Thursday, the New England Patriots open their 2016 training camp. While the players start their (official) work next week, the team's front office is already busy. After releasing two players last Thursday, the Patriots have now added one.
According to Aaron Wilson, the team has signed undrafted rookie Kyler Kerbyson yesterday:
Patriots signed undrafted University of Tennessee offensive linemen Kyler Kerbyson today, per source, plays left tackle and guard
The versatile 6'4, 320 lbs Kerbyson appeared in 45 games for the Volunteers, becoming a starter his 2014 junior season. Overall, he started games at both tackle spots as well as at left guard the last two years and was twice voted SEC offensive lineman of the week.
However, after finishing his five-year career at Tennessee as a second-team All-SEC selection, Kerbyson was neither invited to the scouting combine nor eventually drafted. He also did not immediately sign with a team and instead was invited to participate in minicamp with both the Houston Texans and New Orleans Saints.
Now, the 23-year old has finally signed a pro-contract. No matter the position he will play in Foxboro, Kerbyson will have to fight against some young talent on the offensive line. However, given the competition, his chances of making the team as a tackle look better than they do at guard. Still, no matter where he eventually ends up at, he enters training camp as a longshot to make the team. Then again, so did Malcolm Butler...