The New England Patriots have no more picks in the 2017 NFL Draft and should turn their focus towards signing undrafted free agent prospects. Undrafted players and their agents love New England because head coach Bill Belichick gives them a fair shot to compete against players with greater draft pedigree.
The Patriots have 20 open roster spots because they hit the maximum of 90 and they still need interior offensive linemen, linebackers, and tight ends. Don’t be surprised if the Patriots signed a few wide receivers and defensive backs as camp bodies, too.
Here’s a list of the players that have signed with New England:
BYU LB Harvey Langi (source): Versatile linebacker and pass rusher that was connected to the Patriots throughout the draft process. $115,000 guaranteed, which is more than what Patriots 2016 7th round, #214 LB Elandon Roberts received ($100,356).
Wyoming TE Jacob Hollister (source): 6’4, 240 pound tight end with 4.64s 40 yard dash, 10’1 broad jump, and 7.12 three cone. Pro Football Focus compares him to Julius Thomas. $90,000 guaranteed, which is more than what Patriots 2016 7th round, #225 WR Devin Lucien received ($85,412).
Arkansas WR Cody Hollister (source): Twin of Jacob Hollister with almost identical measurables. $20,000 guaranteed.
Central Florida CB D.J. Killings (source): 5’10, 187 pound cornerback with 22 career passes defended and 5 interceptions. $31,000 guaranteed.
Tennessee EDGE Corey Vereen (source): 6’1, 255 pound edge defender with 13 career sacks and 26 tackles for loss. $12,500 guaranteed.
Richmond FS David Jones (source): 6’1, 205 safety with 4.43s speed and 10’9 broad jump. 9 interceptions in 2015, 2016 cut short by injury. $7,500 guaranteed.
Utah FS Jason Thompson (source): Former running back and quarterback at Wyoming, before transferring to Utah and playing safety as a special teamer. $3,500 guaranteed.
Missouri DT Josh Augusta (source): 6’4, 350 pound defensive tackle that will compete to be a run stuffer on defense. $2,500 guaranteed.
Purdue OG Jason King (source): 6’3, 305 pound three-year starter at left guard.
Valdosta State CB Kenny Moore (source): 5’9, 185 cornerback named First Team All American for Division II has 11 career interceptions. Didn’t start playing football until senior year of high school.
Vanderbilt DT Adam Butler (source): 6’4, 295 pound defensive tackle, four-year starter with 28 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks.
Northwestern WR Austin Carr (source): I’ve already raved about how Carr could be a great slot receiver in New England.
Iowa OT Cole Croston (source): 6’6, 314 pound offensive tackle was a two-year starter with time at both left and right tackle.
Harvard OT Max Rich (source): 6’7, 311 pound two-year starter at tackle. Absolutely the best name for someone that needs a Harvard MBA.
Minnesota SS Damarius Travis (source): 6’1, 206 pound safety that played high, in the box, and nickel. Could be a Patrick Chung heir.
Iowa RB LeShun Daniels (source): 5’11, 222 pound rusher recorded 1,125 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2016.
LSU DB Dwayne Thomas (source): 5’11, 196 pound defensive back that could compete at either nickel or safety.
Arkansas CB D.J. Dean (source): 5’10, 198 pound defensive back that could compete at either nickel or safety.
San Diego WR Brian Riley (source): 6’2, 190 pound former defensive back (two years) turned wide receiver that led team in receiving yards each of past two seasons. Invited to minicamp.
New Mexico State LB Rodney Butler (source): 6’0, 230 pound linebacker, three-year starter. Invited to minicamp.
Utah State LB Anthony Williams (source): 6’1, 242 pound linebacker. Led his team in tackles in 2016. Was invited to minicamp but signed a contract before that.
Albany LB Abner Logan (source): 6’1, 235 pound linebacker from Cambridge, Mass. Transferred from Maryland. Invited to minicamp.