The New England Patriots have released undrafted free agent rookie EDGE Corey Vereen and have signed fellow undrafted free agent rookie CB Will Likely out of the University of Maryland, per an official team report.
The 5’7, 180 pound Likely was a three-year starter at the University of Maryland, but his senior year was cut short by a torn ACL in October. He was named First Team All Big 10 in both 2014 and 2015 and was named All American as a punt returner in 2015; he has also started at wide receiver.
Over the course of his four years at Maryland, Likely accumulated 7 interceptions, 29 pass breakups, and 5 forced fumbles. He was projected to be a midround selection if he had remained healthy.
Likely’s height will limit him to the slot on defense in the NFL or as a special teams ace, where he can offer dynamic return ability.
Vereen was a three-year starter at the University of Tennessee and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see his name pop up over the course of the summer.