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New England Patriots: Will an undrafted free agent make roster in 2017?

By Matty Simo

Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots strong safety Malcolm Butler (21) intercepts a pass intended for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Ricardo Lockette (83) in the fourth quarter in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots strong safety Malcolm Butler (21) intercepts a pass intended for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Ricardo Lockette (83) in the fourth quarter in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New England Patriots are looking for another Malcolm Butler in this year’s class of undrafted free agents. But time will tell if Bill Belichick found one or not.

The New England Patriots have regularly experienced more success stories with undrafted free agents than most NFL teams. New England head coach Bill Belichick can take most of the credit for that because of his uncanny due diligence. Belichick’s respect for players flying under the radar is unmatched. That is why so many succeed under his tutelage.

Cornerback Malcolm Butler is the most obvious recent example of an undrafted player success story after he was signed as a free agent in 2014. Butler turned into a successful starter in his second season out of West Alabama. But in his first year as a nickel corner, he made one of the biggest plays in Super Bowl history.

Now coming off their fifth Super Bowl victory, the Patriots have so much depth that they have debated trading Butler. Why? Well, first of all, Belichick’s confidence in finding the next Butler is off the charts. Secondly, they signed Stephon Gilmore as a free agent from the Buffalo Bills.

Regardless, New England probably does not have Butler’s replacement among its 2017 class of undrafted free agents. But maybe one or two of them could make the roster this year. Maybe.

Many fans are excited by the potential of former Northwestern wide receiver Austin Carr. As a senior, Carr totaled 90 receptions for 1,247 yards and scored 12 touchdowns for the Wildcats. He was a Biletnikoff Award finalist, but where does he fit in with the Pats?

NESN beat reporter Doug Kyed responded to one of those Carr fans on Sunday in teasing his projected 53-man roster for 2017. Kyed then posted his projections on Monday.

Of the 2017 UDFA class, Kyed made a case for former BYU linebacker Harvey Langi as the lone signee to make the final roster. He has Langi pegged as one of six linebackers making the team, with Carr just missing the cut. Kyed has six wide receivers on his projected roster and went with special-teams ace Matthew Slater over Carr.

Next: 5 Reasons Why Pats Can Repeat as Champs

Click here for New England’s 2017’s UDFA class and get to know each of the players.

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