Although the Patriots lost a good amount of players this offseason, they were able to add a few good ones, too.
Bill Belichick and Co. traded for cornerback Jason McCourty, defensive tackle Danny Shelton and wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson. In addition, the team signed defensive end Adrian Clayborn, running back Jeremy Hill and offensive tackle Matt Tobin.
Belichick seems pleased with the additions.
"All the guys that we got, obviously, we're happy to have. Glad that it worked out with all of them," Belichick said to reporters at the NFL coaches breakfast Tuesday in Orlando. "We'll see how it goes. We're going to put them into the program and give them the opportunity to compete like everybody else. We'll see how it works."
Of the free agent signings, Clayborn was probably the biggest.
The defensive end finished with a career-high 9.5 sacks last year with the Falcons, although it is worth noting six came in one game.
"We don't have any experience with the player, but like the player, want the player, but just haven't worked with him yet," Belichick said.
Hill will provide more depth to the backfield that also includes Mike Gillislee, Rex Burkhead and James White. Hill spent the first four seasons of his career with the Bengals, but battled injuries last season.
"He was productive, especially his first two years," Belichick said. "This past year, not so much, and he had that ankle injury. A good kid, smart, he's been productive."
Perhaps the most intriguing addition was Patterson, who is primarily a special teams player, but can contribute in the passing game with his speed.
"He's been a productive player. Kind of a situational player in our offense and special teams," Belichick said. "He's returned kicks primarily. We'll see how it goes with punts. Played receiver, running back, slot back. We'll see."
While he's only returned one punt in his career, Belichick said the team will give him some reps during the spring. Besides Cyrus Jones, the Patriots don't really have anyone on the active roster capable of returning punts.
Belichick will get to work with his new players for the first time at OTAs, which will begin in May.
