According to NEPatriotsDraft.com, the Patriots have inked 12 undrafted free agents, bringing their roster total up to 87 players. You'll want to check out the undrafted signings tracker for more detailed stats, analysis and expectations for each player, but here are some abridged thoughts on the Pats' post-draft activity.
Note that this list does not include any undrafted free agents who were invited to minicamp tryouts without signing a contract.
Tyler Beck, TE, Bowling Green
Beck had limited exposure in college, with just 25 career catches in four seasons. Beck might be more of an H-back than in-line tight end, and he faces an uphill climb to make it through training camp.
Roy Finch, RB, Oklahoma
At roughly 5'6", Finch is among the most diminutive players in the league at the moment. Finch's playing time at Norman wavered as he wandered in and out of Bob Stoops' doghouse, but having averaged 5.8 yards per touch, he's a clearly explosive player who warrants a look as a potential kick returner.
James Morris, LB, Iowa
Of all the undrafted free agents, Morris arguably stands the best chance of finding his way onto the 53-man roster. Morris has Patriots connections having played for Belichick disciple Kirk Ferentz in college, and as a smart run-stuffing linebacker, he could add depth to a thin linebacking corps.
Travis Hawkins, CB, Delaware
After transferring from Maryland, Hawkins compiled 102 tackles, 12 pass deflections and four interceptions over two seasons at Delaware. Hawkins has kick coverage and return experience, so his avenue onto the roster would arrive through special teams.
Jones is the most intriguing signing, as his massive 6'8" frame screams red-zone threat. Jones is a poor blocker, but even as a pure receiving "F" tight end, he could beef up a position that is perilously thin behind oft-injured starter Rob Gronkowski.
Deylan Buntyn, DT, N.C. State
Buntyn registered just four tackles during his collegiate career, and ESPN Boston did not even report him as a confirmed signing in their initial roundup of undrafted free agent deals. Buntyn himself did announce his connection to the Pats on Twitter, though it may end up being a tryout rather than a deal.
Asa Watson, TE, N.C. State
The younger brother of ex-Patriot Ben Watson, Asa is an agile and speedy prospect capable of developing as a receiver. He is far too raw to make the 53-man roster, but if he flashes well in the preseason, Watson could work his way onto the practice squad.
Tyler Ott, LS, Harvard
Ott is one of the top two long snappers in this draft class, and joins incumbent starter Danny Aiken and free agent Charley Hughlett on the roster. Ott adds some camp competition, but appears unlikely to take over the starting job.
Cameron Gordon, LB, Michigan
A former tight end and safety, Gordon had his best season last year in Ann Arbor, compiling 40 tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss. Gordon is a fluid athlete who could make the roster through special teams and eventually develop into a sub-package presence.
Jeremy Deering, S, Rutgers
Deering adds to the Patriots' Rutgers contingency, providing a jack-of-all-trades skill set. Deering's best asset is his speed, and he figures to compete for a special teams spot as either a kick returner or a gunner.
Deontae Skinner, LB, Mississippi State
Skinner has experience playing in the middle of an SEC defense, having logged 37 out of 38 possible games his last three collegiate seasons. Skinner's primary defensive value could come on early downs, where he racked up 202 career tackles as a downhill run-stuffer.
Houston is an explosive athlete who averaged 6.1 yards per touch over four seasons in Bloomington. With some receiving ability as well, Houston could earn a practice squad spot if he flashes some big plays this preseason.
