Zach Sudfeld wasn’t the only undrafted rookie to catch on with the Patriots this summer. (Photo: USA Today Sports Images)
NEPD Staff Writer: Oliver Thomas
Being one of the best 53 players on an NFL team is a baseline goal for both veterans and rookies, alike. It’s not about what a player accomplished elsewhere, or what round a player was drafted in; it’s about what a player can accomplish in the present and the future.
And whether you’re a prized acquisition or a long shot, that song remains the same.
Just ask New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.
Belichick and the Patriots brass trimmed New England’s roster down to 51 players before the 6 p.m. deadline on Saturday, Aug. 31. Among the notable moves, five-time Pro Bowl safety Adrian Wilson was placed on injured reserve, 2011 second-round defensive end Jermaine Cunningham was waived/injured and 2010 fifth-round punter Zoltan Mesko was released.
On the opposite end of the spectrum was wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins, tight end Zach Sudfeld, offensive linemen Braxston Cave and Chris Barker, defensive tackles Joe Vellano and A.J. Francis, as well as punter Ryan Allen.
All of whom made the tentative cut as undrafted rookies. (more…)
