Every year, no matter how stacked the Patriots seem to be, an undrafted rookie makes the team and finds a way to contribute. None have been more famous than Malcolm Butler, who was making plays on the ball from his earliest days in training camp, and ended the season making then biggest play on the ball in Patriots history.
Who will be this year’s Malcolm Butler? With the Pats selecting just four players in the draft, there’s more opportunity than ever for an unknown to fill a significant role.
Here are a bunch of quick hits on the undrafted rookies the Patriots have reportedly signed so far.
WR Austin Carr, Northwestern – Big 10 Receiver of the year is a tall (6’1″)slot receiver who is unafraid to work over the middle. Pats have a log jam at receiver, but Carr could find a spot on then practice squad as Edelman and Amendola are past 30.
LB Harvey Langi, BYU – Athletic, with good size, Langi’s best fit is likely at linebacker though he bounced around the defensive side of then ball in college, while also playing some running back. Was out of place on the edge in 2016.
OT Max Rich, Harvard – Two-time all Ivy Leaguer has NFL size (6’7″).
OT Cole Croston, Iowa – Good size and length, might have to kick inside, needs to add/deal with NFL power.
OG Jason King, Purdue – All Big Ten Honorable Mention and four-year stalwart for the Boilermakers.
WR Cody Hollister, Arkansas – Special Teams MVP of the Razorbacks is a big wide receiver with good speed.
TE Jacob Hollister, Wyoming – Twin brother to Cody, Jacob is a move tight end who can get down the seam.
RB LeShun Daniels Jr,. Iowa – All Big Ten Honorable Mention, had over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns. Powerful between-the-tackles type runner. Would’ve had 6th-best vertical jump and 9th-best 40 at the combine had he been invited.
DT Josh Augusta, Missouri – Great size (6’4″, 365 pounds) but limited athleticism. Easy to see how he could fit inside as a space eater.
DL Corey Vereen, Tennessee – Best off the edge, had seven sacks and 11.5 tackles-for-loss. Just 6’2″, 247 though.
DL Adam Butler, Vanderbilt – Three year starter played tackle and end, as well as some OL in his career.
S Demarius Travis, Minnesota – Strong safety with good size, instincts and aggressiveness could have an inside track with lack of depth at the position. Look out Jordan Richards.
S Jason Thompson, Utah – Experience at safety and linebacker, can play all special teams.
CB Dwayne Thomas, LSU – Aggressive slot corner who understands pattern reading.
CB DJ Killings, Central Florida – Hard working, tough and smart, his athletic limitations and light weight will have to be overcome.
CB Kenny Moore, Valdosta State – Undersized at 5’9″ but competitive.
