With the 2024 NFL Draft in the books, there will now be plenty of talk about the New England Patriots’ 2024 draft class. In addition to the eight players they drafted though the team also added 10 more players as undrafted free agents, or UDFAs.
There’s a pretty significant history of Patriots UDFAs sticking around and making an impact for the team. The Patriots had a near-record 19-year streak of at least one UDFA making the team every year. Players who were part of that streak include running back BenJarvus Green Ellis (2008), center Ryan Wendell (2008), quarterback Brian Hoyer (2009), running back Brandon Bolden (2012), cornerback Malcolm Butler (2014), center David Andrews (2015), cornerback Jonathan Jones (2016), cornerback J.C. Jackson (2018), wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (2019), and special teams coverage player Brenden Schooler (2022).
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However, that streak came to an end last year. That was a smaller class, with the Patriots initially signing just three UDFAs.
This year, 10 Patriots UDFAs will by vying for roster spots. For any UDFA hoping to make the team the key will be showing they can add value on special teams, not just at their listed position. Still, some play positions where the Patriots don’t have as much depth, which could help their case to earn a roster spot.
Which UDFAs have the best chance to make it? Let’s take a look…
RB DeShaun Fenwick, Oregon State
Sep 23, 2023; Pullman, Washington, USA; Oregon State Beavers running back Deshaun Fenwick (1) carries the ball into the end zone against the Washington State Cougars in the second half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Washington State won 38-35. Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Fenwick may have the best chance of any of the UDFAs to make the roster. A bowling ball back at 6-foot, 223 pounds he should be able to compete with Kevin Harris for the third running back spot on the roster. He could fill a goal-line role if the Patriots want to take some more physical carries off Rhamondre Stevenson’s plate.
Part of the reason Fenwick didn’t get drafted may be lack of experience/exposure. Despite a six-year college career (three at South Carolina, then three at Oregon State) he surpassed the 100-carry mark just once, in 2022. If Jerod Mayo’s staff handles the preseason anything like Bill Belichick’s did, he should get plenty of run in this preseason and give the Patriots a chance to see what he’s capable of.
TE Jacob Warren, Tennessee
Tennessee tight end Jacob Warren (87) makes a catch during a football game between Tennessee and Vanderbilt at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. (Saul Young/News Sentinel/USA Today Network)
Warren is another player who has a good chance to make the roster because he offers something the Patriots don’t currently have on their roster. At 6-foot-6, 251 pounds Warren is more of a blocker at the tight end spot than a receiver – which contrasts to the styles of Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper.
If the Patriots want another tight end for jumbo packages, Warren fits the mold. He’s not just an inline blocker either, he’s proven to be effective in that role from multiple alignments.
LB Jontrey Hunter, Georgia State
Sep 25, 2021; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Tank Bigsby (4) is tackled by Georgia State Panthers linebacker Jontrey Hunter (1) during the second quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
In terms of pre-draft projections, Hunter is the highest-rated UDFA. He was invited to the Combine, and was initially projected as a late Day 3 pick.
As a rangy off-ball linebacker Hunter certainly has the skillset to be a regular special teams contributor. He also will likely compete for a depth passing-down linebacker role after the departure of Mack Wilson.
S Dell Pettus, Troy
Nov 12, 2022; Troy, Alabama, USA; Troy Trojans safety Dell Pettus (31) recovers a fumble against the Army Black Knights during the first half at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
Pettus is the kind of versatile defensive back the Patriots have historically liked. A five-year starter at Troy he logged 1,341 snaps as a free safety, 1,221 as a box safety, and 885 as a slot cornerback.
He’s a bit undersized as a box safety at 5-foot-10, 200 pounds but free safety and slot cornerback are the Patriots’ bigger needs anyway – especially free safety. The question will be if he has the explosiveness to play on the back end – he ran a 4.5-second 40 with a 33.5-inch vertical at his pro day. Pettus is a strong tackler, which certainly helps his case for a special teams role.
CB Mikey Victor, Alabama State
Alabama State defensive back Mikey Victor (16) intercepts a pass intended for Arkansas-Pine Bluff’ Raequan Prince (80) during the Turkey Day Classic in Montgomery, Ala., on Thursday November 24, 2022. (Mickey Welsh/Advertiser/USA Today Network)
After Christian Gonzalez, the Patriots boundary cornerback depth chart is totally up in the air. Jonathan Jones could take the spot opposite him on the boundary, or could move back into the slot after Myles Bryant’s departure in free agency. So whether we’re starting from the second or third spot on the depth chart, there will be a lot to figure out beyond that.
An FCS All-American and two-year starter for the Hornets who checks in at 6–foot-2, 209 pounds, Victor should be a part of that conversation. He’ll be competing with Alex Austin, Marco Wilson, Shaun Wade, Isaiah Bolden, Azizi Hearn, and fellow rookie Marcellas Dial for the team’s depth or rotational boundary cornerback spots. Victor played just 15 special teams snaps total over the last two years at ASU.
