Michigan State QB Brian Lewerke among three more players to join Patriots’ undrafted rookie class

The New England Patriots had a pretty busy day on Saturday: after selecting a total of five players during the final four rounds of the NFL draft, they also were quite active on the subsequent free agency market by reportedly adding 12 more players who did not hear their names called over the course of the draft. As the calendar turned from Saturday to Sunday, the group continued to grow and is now 15 players strong.

While the ultimate list could still be subject to change until players actually undergo physicals and sign their free agency contracts with the organization, it appears as if the following three men have been added and are therefore on their way to New England:

QB Brian Lewerke, Michigan State

WR Jeff Thomas, Miami

DE Trevon Hill, Miami

In terms of his positional value, Brian Lewerke is the biggest name on the list. The former Michigan State quarterback had a sub-60 percent in each of his four seasons with the Spartans and needs to get more consistent in his reads and decision making, but does check some of the boxes the Patriots are valuing: he has a good frame, a strong arm strength and also has the quick processing skills to find success in the team’s scheme.

The 23-year-old now becomes the fourth passer on New England’s roster, and will join the competition for the backup spot(s) behind presumed starting option Jarrett Stidham. Lewerke will also share the quarterback room with Brian Hoyer, who, like Lewerke, also went undrafted out of Michigan State albeit 11 years ago, as well as fellow former undrafted rookie free agent J’mar Smith out of Louisiana Tech.

New England also added a pair of Miami Hurricanes, according to report: wide receiver Jeff Thomas and defensive edge Trevon Hill will try to carve out depth roles either on the Patriots’ 53-man roster or the practice squad. Given that both their positions are expected to be highly contested over the summer, chances are that they could sneak onto the team’s payroll when all is said and done.