The Patriots have a miraculous history with undrafted rookie free agents. In 20 of the last 21 seasons, the Patriots have had a UDFA on their opening day roster. Until the streak was broken in 2023, they had gone 19 straight years finding a diamond in the rough.
Although the streak ended, it could be resurrected if the Patriots can find a UDFA to make the opening-day roster in 2025. Last season, they got back on track, with Troy safety Dell Pettus finding his way onto the roster.
There have been hopes for several players to make a push for a roster spot, including UC Davis running back Lan Larison, Eastern Washington's Efton Chism III, and NIU fullback Brocke Lampe. One player that's flown more under the radar hails from Texas State: slot cornerback Jordan Polk.
Jordan Polk fits the bill of what the Patriots want for their secondary
Fans didn't have a positive association with a certain J. Polk last year, but Jordan could be a bigger contributor than Ja'Lynn was if given the opportunity. It isn't often players are slot cornerbacks by trade, but Polk is just that.
Playing just shy of 60% of his collegiate defensive snaps in the slot, he averaged out to have a 71 overall PFF grade during his three seasons with the Bobcats.
The Patriots have a history of producing great defensive backs from undrafted players. Jonathan Jones, Malcolm Butler, and J.C. Jackson have all been products of post-draft moves in the last decade or so. Others have been top special teams talents, like Brenden Schooler. Polk was not only a productive college defender; he also had special teams experience, playing 225 snaps over three years.
The cornerback room is an open competition beyond the two starters
The Patriots have the top-end talent at cornerback, no doubt. Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis are both studs, and Marcus Jones is a solid slot option. Beyond them, though, there are some questions to be answered.
Alex Austin is currently in the CB4 role, but he lacks top-end experience. Fourth-round pick Craig Woodson is thought to have some nickelback ability with his athleticism, but he was a deep safety almost exclusively at Cal. Polk will have the opportunity to compete with a few others for the CB5 role.
The Patriots have made some investments in defensive backs on day three over the past few years. Isaiah Bolden, Marcellas Dial, and now Kobee Minor in 2025 have all been selected as potential depth pieces. Miles Battle is another name to watch: he has a massive six-foot-four frame and elite top-end speed, making him a great special teams candidate. He shone in his sole game last year, recording an 80.4 PFF grade against the Bills.
Polk's competition will be stiff, no doubt, but his slot acumen could make him a more ready candidate to make the roster than others. Among the top four cornerbacks, Jones is the only one with slot experience. If he were to go down, surely the Patriots would prefer someone more experienced in that role to spell Jones.
Looking at candidates, Bolden played just 29% of his defensive snaps in the slot. 85% of Dial's snaps came on special teams, and he struggled when playing defense. Battle was impressive in Week 18, but he is an outside cornerback. 86% of Minor's snaps came on the outside. If Polk can put together a solid preseason, it isn't unreasonable that he can snag the CB5 role given his slot experience.
There's no doubt it will be an uphill battle for Polk, but he fits the bill for what the Patriots look for in cornerbacks. He's got decent size, standing at six feet even, and his 85.5 PFF run defense grade shows he isn't afraid to tackle when given the opportunity. Will it be difficult? Yes, but it's far from impossible that the Arlington, Texas native makes the squad.