6 undrafted free agents to watch during Patriots training camp

New England ended its 19-year streak of having at least one undrafted rookie make the initial regular-season roster last September, but this season presents an excellent opportunity to start anew. The Patriots are always looking for a versatile contributor, and they might find one in this year's UDFA pool.

With training camp right around the corner, let's look at the undrafted free agents to watch during training camp.

6 undrafted free agents to watch during Patriots training camp

Dell Pettus, DB, Troy

Pettus is a versatile player who can play as a playmaking safety in the secondary. He can fit into multiple defensive packages and possesses special team skills. Making 61 consecutive starts for Troy and made 73 tackles last season. Additionally, he gained 300 career return yards on special teams in high school.

Pettus was a solid tackler with 315 career tackles in college and showed the ability to break up passes with 14 pass breakups and one sack. If Pettus makes the roster, he would be another young addition to the promising Patriots secondary.

Charles Turner III, Center, LSU

Pats need more depth, and Turner is a solid zone blocker. It would be great for him to learn behind David Andrews. He's another versatile player with experience against big-time college competition in the SEC. It would be a great story, as David Andrews was also an undrafted center out of the SEC.

He allowed only one sack in 763 college snaps. With David Andrews nearing the end of his NFL career, Turner will have the chance to show if he's an NFL-caliber center during training camp. The Patriots also need more depth at the center position.

DeShaun Fenwick, RB, Oregon State

Fenwick seems ready to compete for a job. He is explosive and runs with power. He is very effective when running in a zone scheme and can make plays as a pass-catching back. DeShaun Fenwick is a playmaker with the potential to make a significant impact as a player.

Fenwick had a long collegiate career, playing for six seasons at South Carolina and Oregon State. He didn't get many carries during his career, but he did well when he did, averaging 5.3 yards per carry over 50 games. Some might question his athletic abilities, but he performed similarly to Rhamondre Stevenson in various speed and agility tests.

Jontrey Hunter, LB, Georgia State

Georgia State's best defensive player last season was a solid sideline-to-sideline player. He had 96 tackles last season and is strong in pass coverage, giving him the versatility to play on all three downs. At 6'2" and 240 pounds, he has a strong frame with room to fill out.

Linebacker is a position where the Patriots could use more depth. With his experience playing inside and outside linebacker spots, Hunter can compete for a roster spot, either as a linebacker or on special teams.

Jett Bush, LB, Texas

Bush didn't play as many college games as Hunter, but he did play at Texas in a higher-level conference. He ran a 4.62 40-yard dash and is athletic. His athleticism will allow him to play in multiple positions.

The Patriots will likely have him play in multiple spots during training camp, such as linebacker and safety. If he can perform well on special teams, it could help his chances. While Hunter is primarily a linebacker, Bush, as we stated above, could play both safety and linebacker.

Jacob Warren, TE, Tennessee

Warren is a formidable blocker, a crucial skill for Tight Ends in Alex Van Pelt's offensive scheme. He is 6'6" and weighs 254 pounds, possessing NFL-sized dimensions for a tight end. According to a quote from Volquest, Warren has played in the SEC.

During the offseason, Hunter Henry signed a 3-year contract with the Patriots. Despite this, depth is always needed in the NFL. Warren will have the opportunity to prove himself and see if he has what it takes. Compared to other positions,

Warren won't have much chance to shine on special teams unless he excels as a blocker on special teams. Developing depth as a tight end is crucial for his chances of making the team.

Speaking of the SEC. Warren's college teammate, Eagles UDFA McCallan Castles, told On3, “You are playing in the SEC, you are playing against the majority of guys who are going to go to the NFL at some point. I think it has prepared me for that and kind of put me in the mind frame of the work I needed to do to get ready for this,”

Will any of these players revive the trend of successful undrafted free agents for the Patriots? It all begins on July 24th with training camp.

More Patriots coverage: