Following the conclusion of the NFL Draft, the undrafted free agent (UDFA) signing process immediately begins, also referred to as the eighth round. For NFL teams, they are given a league-mandated cap of roughly $200,000 in total bonus money to put towards signing any targets who were not selected. However, organizations can offer larger guaranteed base salaries to entice players. All UDFA players sign a standard three-year contract.
The New England Patriots wound up making a total of nine selections during the 2026 NFL Draft and will have over a dozen UDFA players in the rookie mini-camp (May 8-10). Typically, each franchise will see at least two or three UDFA players earn a roster spot each year, while many others tend to land on practice squads. In fact, UDFA players consist of approximately one-third of all NFL players at any given time.
Let's examine some of the players who will be battling to claw their way onto the Patriots' 53-man roster as an UDFA. One thing is clear: they have intensified the wide receiver competition.
2026 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS UDFA CLASS
Position | Player | School | Height | Weight | Hand | Arm | Forty
RB Myles Montgomery, UCF, 5102, 198, 0928, 3038, 4.46 - With a solid combination of size and speed, Montgomery led the Knights with 705 rushing yards this past season, serving as one of their team captains. A capable pass-catcher out of the backfield, Montgomery is also an astute blocker, some of the attributes that he showcased during the week of Hula Bowl practice back in January. While he figures to have an uphill climb making the roster, he could potentially land on the practice squad as a developmental third-down back.
WR Nick DeGennaro, James Madison, 5117, 193, 0928, 3100, 4.41 - A triple transfer, DeGennaro began his career at Maryland, with a detour in Richmond before finishing up at JMU, where he had 500 receiving yards and five scores this past season. Known for his route running and footwork, the New Jersey native can sometimes dance around too much, creating a slow release off the line of scrimmage. However, he does bring speed (21.48 mph on the catapult) and carries some special teams experience. DeGennaro also owns impressive strength for a wideout, with a 375-pound squat and 315-pound bench, according to his strength coach back in August.
WR Kyle Dixon, Culver-Stockton, 6021, 209, 0918, 3200, 4.51 - One of the top small school prospects along the all-star game trails, Dixon created a bit of a buzz for himself during the American Bowl, where the Patriots were well attended. A boundary wideout with adequate speed, Dixon began at Southern Illinois before finishing up at Culver-Stockton in Missouri, where he had back-to-back seasons of 1,100-plus receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in each of the past two years. New England liked what it saw, as they awarded him with $252,500 in guaranteed money to sign.
WR Cameron Dorner, North Texas, 6006, 188, 0918, 3038, 4.59 - With a well-rounded blend of size, athleticism and physicality, Dorner displays strong awareness, particularly in finding soft spots in zone coverage and possesses soft, reliable hands. A transfer from Division II Shepherd University, he has shown the ability to separate and finished up this past season with 911 receiving yards and eight touchdowns for the Mean Green. In addition, Dorner also brings some kick return experience, which can only help to boost his chances to stick.
WR Jimmy Kibble, Georgetown, 6004, 199, 0878, 3028, 4.49 - An All-Patriot First Team selection and team captain, Kibble enjoyed a career-year in 2025, nabbing 63 balls for 1,0002 yards, showcasing breakaway speed, along with dependable hands, and enjoyed several clutch moments. He is the first player out of Georgetown to sign with an NFL team since 2020 (Michael Dereus) and is seeking to become the first Hoyas player to suit up in an NFL game since 1956 (Jim Ricca). His father, Jimmy Kibble Sr, signed with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent punter out of Virginia Tech back in 2000.
TE Tanner Arkin, Illinois, 6033, 262, 1038, 3278, 4.89 - A two-time captain for the Illini, Arkin saw his draft stock fade after an underwhelming pro day performance. While he lacks speed and is limited athletically, Arkin brings versatility as an inline blocker and has come up with a handful of touchdowns as a red zone threat. Considering the lack of depth currently at the tight end position, Arkin stands a chance of earning a practice squad spot, if he can impress enough to hang around through training camp.
OL JonDarius Morgan, UAB, 6027, 315, 1028, 3548, 5.38 - A lengthy guard with great arm length, coaches were ranting and raving about the upside of Morgan during the week of American Bowl practice. He started the past two seasons at UAB and did not allow a sack this past year. In addition, Morgan holds a big-time pedigree as a transfer from South Carolina. An under-the-radar prospect, his developmental upside is alluring and could make for a nice practice squad stash.
OL Jacob Rizy, Florida State, 6054, 307, 0978, 3218, 5.21 - A dominant three-year starter at the FCS level (a two-time All-American at Harvard), Rizy filled in admirably as a spot starter at Florida State over the past two seasons, showcasing a a thick, sturdy frame with the versatility to play both tackle, or guard. One of the more impressive players at the Dream Bowl, Rizy possesses all the intangibles that would seem to provide him a legitimate shot to stick in the pros.
DT David Blay, Miami, 6023, 292, 1028, 3200, 5.08 - An undersized nose tackle, Blay was a key cog for the Hurricanes during their national championship run, serving as a valuable run-stuffer. He flashed during one-on-one drills during the week of East-West Shrine Bowl practices, with strong, violent hands but needs develop more of a counter-attack. A former D-II standout from West Chester University, this is one player who the Patriots may want to keep on the back burner until they can shore up the void created by the departure of Khyiris Tonga (Chiefs).
DT Korey Foreman, Fresno State, 6035, 270, 1000, 3248, 4.85 - A rookie minicamp invite, Foreman will attempt to earn a contract with New England or Tampa Bay, where he has also been invited to rookie camp. The former five-star recruit never found his footing at USC before transferring to Fresno State, where he proved to be capable of putting pressure from the interior. However, Foreman is severely undersized and will need a year to get with an NFL strength and conditioning program before he is ready to see field action.
LB Jordan Kwiatkowski, Central Michigan, 6003 229 0878 3018 4.84 - Anyone who tuned into the late-night, weekday MAC-action during the regular season is most likely familiar with Kwiatkowski, who owns a propensity for creating momentum-changing turnovers. He played like his hair was on fire, showing up all over the field with 117 tackles (14 tackles for loss), three sacks, three forced fumbles, three interceptions and one touchdown this past season. Another rookie camp invite, Kwiatkowski will need to overcome his speed deficiency.
CB Channing Canada, TCU, 5115, 187, 0900, 3100, 4.36 - A top JUCO transfer from Trinity Valley CC, Canada emerged as a dependable starter for the Horned Frogs this past season. He boasts above-average size and excellent athleticism with the versatility to line up in the slot or on the boundary. There are plenty of traits to like about the Louisiana native who could latch on due to his special teams prowess and ability to play the nickel.
CB Kenneth Harris, Oklahoma State, 5116, 192, 0928, 3048, 4.47 - Following suit of the common theme amongst the New England UDFA class, Harris is a versatile defender, who primarily lined up at cornerback but also moonlighted at the STAR, safety and nickel spots. Should he find his way onto the team, Harris could be viewed as a depth piece, capable of backing up multiple spots but will need to earn his keep via special teams.