Update On Patriots UDFA Signings

Undrafted Free Agent Stephon Morris just signed with the New England Patriots according to @NEPD_Loyko. This is what is to be expected as the Patriots will sign near around 12-14 guys during the UDFA signing period. Back in February  Morris wasn’t very happy when he was not invited to the NFL Combine in February. He responded by turning in an eye-popping performance at PSU’s Pro Day for scouts on campus Monday, as Morris did more to improve his NFL stock than any of the other Nittany Lions who worked out.

November 24, 2012; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback Stephon Morris (12) leads the players onto the field prior to the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

He’s not a very big guy at 5-8, and 186 Ibs. Morris was hand-timed in the 40-yard dash anywhere from the high 4.1- to 4.3-second range by NFL scouts in the Holuba Hall. His official time was 4.35 seconds. But it did not stop there. He also broad-jumped 10-0 and uncorked a 35.5-inch vertical. At 5-foot-8, 188 pounds, he cranked out an impressive 18 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press. His 40 time was faster than any posted by corners at the Combine. Only two corners at the Combine benched more than Morris did Monday.

Quinton Hines is a running back from the University Of Akron. He’s 5-11, and 189 Ibs.

He spent most of his time as a backup running back for the Zips. His career stats were 194 yards on 35 carries, including one 70 yard run. Hines also played on special teams, returning a few kickoffs.

Zach Sudfield also has signed with the New England Patriots, who is a tight end out of Nevada and a good one at that. He’s listed at 6-7, and 255 Ibs.

At 6’7″, Sudfeld has great size, and is also one of the tallest tight ends in the draft. In high school, he was a letter-man in tennis, track and field and basketball, which means that he has a lot of athletic upside

Despite not being invited to the combine, Sudfeld had a very impressive pro day, showcasing his outstanding athleticism and ability to be a red-zone threat at the next level which is what the Patriots love.

The Pats have agreed to terms with free-agent WR Kenbrell Thompkins from the University of Cincinnati.

Thompkins was a combine invite. He was a junior college player that was going to until Lane Kiffin’s bolted for USC. Thompkins has some experience playing out the outside and in the slot while at Cincinnati. Thompkins has good height and decent speed. He will add some depth to the wide receiving core.

Cory Grissom who is a defensive tackle out of USF has signed with the New England Patriots. He’s listed at 6-1, 306 Ibs.

He’s a True nose tackle with girth in his midsection and through his lower half that he uses to hold up single blocks and double teams off the snap. Strong legs. Has a powerful punch when attacking his man off the snap. Moves well laterally, and stays square to the line of scrimmage. He really won’t be making too many plays outside the box or in the backfield due to a lack of closing speed. Will get lazy and stand up off the ball, and lose leverage. He has a very large injury history.

Penn State C Matt Stankiewicz  has signed with the Patriots. He’ll be joining his teammate Stephon Morris by joining the New England Patriots. Matt Stankiewicz is listed at 6-3, 301 Ibs.

He was a combine invite and was one of the consensus top 6-7 centers in the draft. He also was a Rimington Trophy finalist. Stankiewitch is adept as using his hands and can lock up defenders to anchor. He may not make this team, but he’ll most likely be on the practice squad.

September 22, 2012; Columbia, SC, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver T.J. Moe (28) makes a reception against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

Mizzouri Wide Receiver T.J. Moe has signed with the New England Patriots.

The strengths of Moe are his Sure hands, and massive catch radius, quick release, deceptive agility to break away from defenders, and physical enough to go over the middle. Moe was a dual-threat quarterback in high school and compiled 61 total touchdowns. This allows him to find holes in the defense and be on the same page as his quarterback with relative ease. He also doubles as an effective kick and punt returner.

Moe has a proven track record as a locker-room leader and as someone dedicated to his craft. He works relentlessly to improve on the field and off, and hasn’t had any off-field issues.

Kent State offensive lineman Josh Kline has signed with the New England Patriots as a “priority free agent.” He’s listed at 6-3, and 307 Ibs.

He had one of the more impressive pro days,by running a 5.0 forty and showing some nice lateral movement skills. Kline has played all five positions for Kent State, which shows his versatility. Kline also had a private workout with the Patriots earlier in March.

Rutgers CB Brandon Jones has signed with the New England Patriots. Yes, another Rutgers player! You can never have enough. He’s listed at 6-0, and 191 Ibs.

Brandon Jones led the Rutgers defense with five interceptions in 2012, and he also contributed to nine pass breakups. The reason for him not being drafted, most likely was due to his 4.56 forty time. He may not have had the best forty time, but he does have some ball skills. Some sites believe he could even end up at wide receiver.

Troy SS Kanorris Davis has signed with the New England Patriots according to his twitter account. He’s listed at 5-10, and 211 Ibs.

According to NFL.com’s Gil Brandt, Davis “ran the 40 in 4.60 and 4.65 seconds, had a 37-inch vertical jump and 10-foot-1 broad jump, did the three-cone drill in 7.07 seconds and the short shuttle in 4.20 seconds, and did 21 lifts of 225 pounds on the bench press.”

According to his twitter, Missouri OT Elvis Fisher has signed with the New England Patriots.

Fisher may be  slightly undersized at a little less than 300 pounds, but Fisher moves definitely moves very well for a big body and was also a team captain for Missouri alongside T.J. Moe. He unfortunately has suffered multiple shoulder injuries, which definitely contributed to him not getting drafted.

Clemson Tight End Brandon Ford has signed with the New England Patriots. He’s listed at 6-3, and 235 Ibs. He had 40 receptions, 480 yards, and 8 TD’s last season.

He can play both tight end and H-back, and has shown a good blend of athleticism. The Patriots may be loaded at tight end up with Ford’s ablity to play the H-back may come in handy. Ford ran a 40 time of 4.7.

Tennessee FB Ben Bartholomew has signed with the New England Patriots. He’s listed at 6-2, and 252 Ibs.

Bartholomew was invited to the Raycom All-Star game this past off-season. He also played some TE in addition to his time at fullback, which is common for most fullbacks in college. He was  also able to catch 10 passes for over 100 yards and a score.

Louisiana Tech Punter, Ryan Allen has signed with the New England Patriots. He’s listed at (6’2″ – 229)

Allen had a very successful college career as he is a two time Ray Guy award winner and All-American. Allen was also one of the Senior Bowl punters and if it wasn’t for Jeff Locke, he definitely would be the  top Punter in the draft. Ryan Allen provides legit competition for Zoltan Mesko who hasn’t had any during the past two training camps. As everyone loves Mesko, there is no reason why we should ignore competition in this situation. He has a chance to at least make it on the practice squad.

Michigan State OG Chris McDonald has signed with the New England Patriots. He’s listed at 6’4″ – 300 Ibs.

Does this name sound familiar  Yes it does, McDonald is Patriots OL Nick McDonald’s little brother. He played guard for the Spartans and showed some inconsistency as he got beat badly at times.This is a case where they wouldn’t have signed him if he wasn’t related to Nick McDonald, but he does have some physical tools and a good football IQ.

Mississippi State DT Dewayne Cherrington has signed with the New England Patriots. He’s listed at 6’2″ – 345Ibs.

The massive interior defensive lineman was not a very productive player during his time at Mississippi State, but teams are always looking to possibly find that late round or undrafted free agent big body with an upside. He also benched 225 pounds 36 times during his Pro Day workout where he alsoran the 40-yard dash in 5.5 seconds.

New Haven QB Ryan Osiecki has received a received a New England Patriots mini camp invite. He’s listed at 6’4” 240 Ibs.

Osiecki, was ranked the 36th best QB in the nation by nfldraftscout.com earlier in the season. He was told by his agent that he was possibly a 6th-7th round pick, which clearly didn’t happen. He threw for 9,572 yards, on 754-of-1,207 passing, to go with 91 touchdowns and 31 interceptions during his career. All are school records besides the interceptions.

Eastern Michigan Long Snapper Mike Zupancic has signed with the New England Patriots. He’s listed at 6-4, 259 Ibs

Maryland DT Joe Vellano has signed with the New England Patriots. He is listed at 6’1″ – 306.

Vellano gives his best effort every play and leaves it all on the field. That is something the Patriots will love. In his junior season he racked up 94 tackles and was an All-American selection. He may be undersized, but he gets off the ball very quickly which is plus. He’s the type of player Bill Belichick wants on his team, as he’s a max effort guy. Him and T.J. Moe should make this team.

Portland State LB Ian Sluss has signed with the New England Patriots. He’s listed at 6’0” – 225 Ibs.