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Report: Patriots Officially Sign Second-Round Pick Duke Dawson

The Pats have reportedly made the rookie’s first NFL contract official.

Oct 7, 2017, Gainesville, FL, USA: Florida Gators defensive back Duke Dawson points against the LSU Tigers during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. (Photo Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

Oct 7, 2017, Gainesville, FL, USA: Florida Gators defensive back Duke Dawson points against the LSU Tigers during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. (Photo Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

(Photo Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

The New England Patriots have completed rookie cornerback Duke Dawson's first NFL contract, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss on Twitter.

Dawson originally went to the Pats at No. 56 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. The 21-year-old cornerback out of Florida projects as a slot corner at the NFL level and should be able to compete for a starting spot right out of training camp.

Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio told reporters after day two of the draft that they had Dawson on their radar for longer than other prospects, because the corner had previously considered declaring for the draft in 2017.

Sep 16, 2017, Gainesville, FL, USA: Florida Gators defensive back Duke Dawson against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. (Photo Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)(Photo Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

Sep 16, 2017, Gainesville, FL, USA: Florida Gators defensive back Duke Dawson against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. (Photo Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

Dawson told reporters in his first in-person media availability at Gillette Stadium on Tuesday that he's enjoying the ride so far as an NFL player.

"It’s going pretty great," Dawson said. "It’s great for me. Just come in every day, learn and improve. It’s a great opportunity."

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Matt, a North Andover, Massachusetts native, has been with The Sports Hub since 2010. Growing up the son of Boston University All-American and Melrose High School hall-of-fame hockey player Steve Dolloff, sports was always a part of his life. After attending Northeastern University, Matt focused his love of sports on writing, extensively writing about all four major Boston teams. He also is a co-host of the Sports Hub Underground podcast and is a regular on-air contributor on the Sports Hub. Matt writes about all New England sports from Patriots football to Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins.