Taking a look at the Patriots' undrafted free-agent class that has been reported by various outlets. Usually one drafted player makes the final roster:
S Brenden Schooler, Texas (6-2, 203, 4.40 40)
Started college career at Oregon where he started as a true freshman. Moved from safety to WR as a sophomore. He had a brief stint with the Arizona Wildcats before landing at the University of Texas where he moved back to safety. Really fast and has potential to make the team based on special teams’ ability.
OC Kody Russey, Houston (6-2, 301, 5.06 40)
Well-respected team captain who was second-team All-Conference for the Cougars. Before Houston, he played give years at Louisiana Tech. Collectively he has started 60 games across his college career. Not the most athletic guy but maximizes his ability with toughness, strength (38 reps on the bench) and experience. Good depth piece.
WR/QB D’Eriq King, Miami (5-9, 196, 4.6 40, 7.26 3-cone)
Started career at Houston where he split time at both QB and WR his first two seasons. Productive dual-threat season as a junior QB. He transferred to Miami amid some program changes. Team captain at both schools, known as a hard worker and willing to do whatever it takes to make a roster.
He’s not a QB at the next level, at least beyond scout team. He’s elusive in the pocket which hopefully translates to short area situations as a wide receiver. While he has played the WR position, he’s really been a college QB, and that learning curve will be very steep. He’s also struggled with injuries given his size. He’s a football player, I expect him to make the practice squad as he develops. Right now, he is duplicative to current Patriot Malcom Perry.
DT LaBryan Ray, Alabama (6-4, 283, 5.1 40)
He was a highly rated recruit that has been with the Alabama program for five years. He’s struggled with injuries throughout his career (foot, ankle, elbow, groin). He’s pretty good against the run but doesn’t offer much in the pass game. He’s a 3-4 end to be used in the running game.
OLB/Edge DaMarcus Mitchell, Purdue (6-3, 260)
An edge rusher for the Boilermakers. He played better down the stretch (3 sacks in the last 5 games). The Patriots worked him out at Purdue in the pre-draft process and he had a strong broad jump (4th best at the position) which is one measure of explosiveness and athleticism. He’s a 3-4 outside linebacker at the next level.
P Jake Julien, Eastern Michigan (6-1, 227)
Julien was the 31st pick of the Canadian Football Draft. He owns the school punting record with a 44-yard average. He has a lot of experience, 54 games, which is more valuable in specialists than the level of competition.
iOL Liam Shanahan, LSU (6-5, 305, 5.2)
The Marlborough native began his career at Harvard (3-year starter) before transferring to LSU. Durable player, who played virtually every snap over the last two years at center for the Tigers. Known within the program as being a hard worker and a smart player (obviously) that made all the check calls at the line of scrimmage.
DB Coby Tippett, URI (5-8, 195, 4.63)
Tippett is technically a camp invite, but his father is Patriots great and Hall of Famer Andre Tippett. ESPN Boston High School Player of the Year in 2015 while at Xaverian in Westwood. He went to prep school in CT and then got a scholarship to URI. He was a three-time all-Conference player who returned punts and played safety for the Rams.
Here’s where our Top 10 Priority Free Agents signed:
WR Britain Covey, Utah: Philadelphia Eagles
LB Diego Fagot, Navy: Baltimore Ravens
TE John FitzPatrick, Georgia: Atlanta Falcons
OL Nick Ford, Utah: Jacksonville Jaguars
QB E.J. Perry, Brown: Jacksonville Jaguars
WR Slade Bolden, Alabama: Baltimore Ravens
LB Kuony Deng, California: Atlanta Falcons
FB John Chenal, Wisconsin: New York Jets
CB Jermaine Waller, Virginia Tech: Detroit Lions
OG Ben Petrula, BC: Cleveland Browns