7 Undrafted Free Agents That Could Make New England Patriots Roster
New England Patriots: 7 Undrafted Free Agents That Could Make The 53-Man Roster
Life of an undrafted free agent is rough. You get passed up several times by every team in the NFL Draft, and when you do sign with a team you have little chance of actually making the 53-man roster.
That being said, the history of the league is littered with players who went undrafted, impressed in camp and the preseason and made the active roster to start the season. Some of the best players from both today and the past were once undrafted free agents. These guys include Tony Romo, Arian Foster, Antonio Gates, Kurt Warner, Hall-of-Famer John Randle and many more.
The New England Patriots signed a very interesting crop of undrafted free agents after the draft this season. They are a team that is in the middle of a transition on the offensive side of the ball. Tom Brady lost many offensive weapons this offseason. From Wes Welker and Danny Woodhead leaving via free agency to Aaron Hernandez and Brandon Lloyd being released and Rob Gronkowski struggling with injuries, the Patriots could easily be without their top five pass catchers from 2012 to start the season.
With all the turnover on the offensive side of the ball, more pressure will be put on Brady, the running game led by Stevan Ridley and Bill Belichick's ability to find talent.
The Patriots have some interesting rookies this season. Some were drafted, but they seem to have more undrafted free agents who have a legitimate shot to make the 53-man roster than any other team in the NFL. Belichick knows talent and if he thinks that these guys deserve a shot, he will not hesitate to give it to them. Here are 7 undrafted free agents that could make the 53-man roster for New England.
Daniel is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @D_Schmelzer, "Like" him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google.
Ryan Allen, P
In college, Ryan Allen was a two time Ray Guy Award winner. The award is given to the best punter in college football. The Patriots signed Allen and have put him in a competition with incumbent Zoltan Mesko. Allen appears to have the upper hand because he has much better leg strength. There is still a ways to go, but Allen definitely has a good chance to make this team.
Kanorris Davis, S
Kanorris Davis was a linebacker in college and has translated to the safety position very well. Davis is a very athletic player that has excelled on special teams. If he does make the roster I doubt we would see much out of him on defense, but he could be a very important part of the Patriots' special teams.
Mark Harrison, WR
I must admit, I do not think that there is a good chance that Mark Harrison makes the 53-man roster for the Patriots. He has been injured for much of camp so he has not been able to compete for the open receiver spots. I thought Harrison was worth mentioning because he is a very talented player that the Patriots could stash on the practice squad and bring up when ready. If he makes it back soon and just kills it for the rest of camp, maybe Harrison has a chance to make the roster but it is unlikely.
Josh Kline, OL
Josh Kline is a very versatile offensive lineman, and Belichick loves versatility. He can play all five positions on the offensive line but probably makes more sense as a guard or center in the NFL. If he can continue to prove he can make it at this level, I think Kline's versatility gives him a chance with the Patriots.
Evan Landi, TE
The Patriots just signed Evan Landi last week so he has some catching up to do if he expects to make the roster to start the season. Landi is a very interesting player. He is a big, physical player at the tight end position. He is very athletic for his size, and I think he could fit in well with the Patriots. With Hernandez gone and Gronkowski struggling with injuries, there are plenty of snaps available from the tight end position. If Landi can impress with his athleticism, he could surprise some and make this team.
Zach Sudfeld, TE
Zach Sudfeld has been the talk of Patriots camp. Standing 6-foot-7, Sudfeld is an obvious replacement for Gronkowski if he is not ready to go Week 1. Sudfeld is big, fast and athletic. He is a match-up nightmare who has impressed in camp and in the first two preseason games. At this point, it would be shocking if Sudfeld does not make the roster.
Kenbrell Thompkins, WR
Kenbrell Thompkins has also impressed in camp so far. The Patriots need a receiver or two to step up and play a big role in this offense. Thompkins has done very well in the preseason and seems to have the trust of Brady. He was the starter in the last preseason game, and it would be very surprising if Thompkins does not make the roster.
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