Just when you think the draft has ended…it seems like it’s just begun! Or such is often the case in New England, a football world rife with UDFA (undrafted free agent) success stories over the past 20 years. Since 2004 a UDFA (or more) has signed with the team and made the 53-man roster. There’s some early thinking that there’s a strong chance of that streak continuing. Let’s see who’s been brought aboard post-draft and what they might bring to the table.
Belichick finally says Mac is the guy!
Malik Cunningham, QB, Louisville
A quarterback who invariably, due to his alma mater and playing style, is going to draw comparisons to Lamar Jackson, Cunningham made news by being the highest paid UDFA in Patriots team history. He was productive in college and can move for sure, but may not be good enough under center to make any team, let alone the Pats. However, he reportedly said during pre-draft interviews that he’s willing to do whatever it takes to make a team. Perhaps a position switch may just up this talented athlete’s chances of finding a job in Foxboro this fall.
Johnny Lumpkin, TE, Louisiana Lafayette
A Ragin’ Cajun, this guy is a hoss (6’6” 270 lbs), and an older hoss at that. Lumpkin will enter the league at the age of 26 and has blocking tight end, which the Patriots are in desperate need of, written all over him, if he were to make the roster.
Jourdan Hilig, LB/ST, Appalachian State
A special team standout at Appalachian State, he was one of seven Mountaineers to be selected by or signed into the NFL this draft (five of which were UDFAs).
Ed Lee, WR, Rhode Island
Lee has received a minicamp invitation from the Patriots after what was described as a meeting that went very well with the Patriots on April 13. Lee met with several teams before the draft but ultimately wasn’t selected. Lee has sub 4.5 speed and had his best season in 2022 with 56 receptions for 908 yards and five TDs.
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