The backbone of any good scouting department earns their oats during the eighth round of the NFL Draft, also known as the undrafted free agent portion of the event. For many organizations, it’s a last-gasp attempt to try and plug holes that were not addressed during the offseason. Oftentimes, teams will identify players who had draftable grades on their board who for some reason did not hear their names called.
In 2024, nearly 500 undrafted free agent players made the Week 1 opening day rosters, according to NFL data. In fact, approximately 20% of all NFL rosters consisted of undrafted free agents last season. That number increases to 40% if you count practice squads. In addition, 12% of all starters from NFL opening week were undrafted. It’s a critical aspect of team-building.
Remarkably, there have been 15 undrafted players in the history of the NFL that have gone onto the Pro Football Hall of Fame such as Adam Vinatieri. Other notable Patriots undrafted free agents from years past include Malcolm Butler, Joe Andruzzi and David Andrews. Last season, Dell Pettus emerged from training camp as a member of the Pats 53-man roster.
While the team has struggled to find success via the draft when it comes to selecting wideouts, New England has done well identifying undrafted receivers. Prominent targets such as Wes Welker, Danny Amendola and David Patten were all uncovered following the NFL Draft.
Let’s examine some of the players who have been announced as part of the New England Patriots' undrafted rookie free agent class of 2025:
POSITION | PLAYER | SCHOOL | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | FORTY
QB Ben Wooldridge, Louisiana, 6-2, 214, 4.82 - The Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year enjoyed a career-year with 2,453 passing yards and 17 touchdowns, to just six interceptions. He’ll enter rookie camp as an additional arm to take some reps.
RB Lan Larison, UC-Davis, 5-11, 209, 4.60 - One of the higher-profile undrafted free agents, the Patriots signed Larison for $175,000, including $25,000 guaranteed, according to the Boston Globe. He set program records for all-purpose yards in a season (2,387) and career (6,504). Could be used in multiple spots, including slot receiver where he looks like Julian Edelman.
FB Duane Martin, Louisville, 6-2, 260, n/a - Initially an undersized tight end, Martin converted to fullback when new head coach Jeff Brohm arrived. He appeared in 12 games this past season, including three starts and was utilized solely as a blocker with just five touches all year.
FB Brock Lampe, Northern Illinois, 6-1, 244, n/a - New sheriff Mike Vrabel is going to entertain the idea of carrying a traditional fullback with Josh McDaniels aboard, and Lampe brings added competition, having finished his career with 44 consecutive games played for the Huskies and also participated on special teams.
WR Efton Chism III, Eastern Washington, 5-11, 193, 4.72 - Viewed as a slot receiver, a position where the Pats have struck gold in the past, Chism III finished his collegiate career breaking Cooper Kupp's single-season reception record (120), adding 1311 yards and 13 touchdowns.
WR Jeremiah Webb, South Alabama, 5-11, 196, n/a - The Pats had the relatively unknown Webb in for a private workout leading up to the draft. A one-year starter, he hauled in 36 balls for 649 yards and five scores, while making three tackles on special teams in 2024.
WR DeMeer Blankumsee, Memphis, 5-10, 185, n/a - Yet another projected inside receiver, Blankumsee emerged as a deep-threat talent for Memphis over the past two seasons, grabbing 98 balls for 1,578 yards and 13 touchdowns. He’ll need to make his mark on special teams.
TE C.J. Dippre, TE, Alabama, 6-5, 256, 4.70 - Utilized as a pre-snap motion piece, Dippre is an adequate blocker who can contribute to the pass game but does endure an occasional drop. He was productive throughout his career at Maryland and Alabama, with 65 catches and 782 yards.
TE Gee Scott Jr., Ohio State, 6-3, 238, 4.63 - Listed as a tight end on the Ohio State roster, Scott Jr. moonlighted at fullback, a position he could attempt to convert over to in a full-time capacity at the pro level due to his lack of height. He had 27 catches for 393 yards and two touchdowns this year.
OG Jack Conley, Boston College, 6-7, 327, n/a - The New Canaan native tied a BC record with 60 consecutive games played and started at four positions along the offensive line, plus special teams. He appeared to be a fundamentally sound, well-coached player during Shrine Bowl week.
OG Cole Birdow, Merrimack, 6-5, 315, n.a - A developmental project, Birdow converted from defensive line to offensive line two seasons ago, so he is relatively raw. However, he has made vast strides and owns a frame with room to grow. He’ll likely battle for a practice squad slot.
DT Wilfried Pene, Virginia Tech, 6-2, 280, 4.91 - A two-time All-New England selection during his time at St. Thomas More School in Oakdale, Connecticut, Pene was a key rotational player for the Hokies. Originally born in France, he brings an extensive wrestling background.
DT Bryce Ganious, Wake Forest, 6-1, 300, n/a - The cerebral Ganious started his first two seasons at Villanova before transferring up to the FBS. He has displayed the ability to penetrate the backfield from the interior during his collegiate career and will add competition as a three-technique.
DL Hector Johnson, Endicott, 6-1, 230, n/a - Holy Cross hosts a small school pro day workout for local prospects in the area every year. The Worcester native was the only D3 product in attendance and stood out amongst all players. He projects as a standup outside backer.
ER Elijah Ponder, Cal Poly, 6-3, 251, 4.64 - A four-time All-Big Sky selection, Ponder finished as one of the most decorated players in school history, racking up 43.5 career tackles for loss, including 27 sacks. His size, quickness and athleticism provide him a real opportunity to stick.
LB Cam Riley, Florida State, 6-4, 237, 4.64 - One of the more notable undrafted signings, Riley brings pedigree, having appeared in 46 games at Auburn before finishing up at FSU this past year. He made the switch from defensive end to outside linebacker, so he does possess hybrid versatility.
CB Brandon Crossley, SMU, 5-11, 185, n/a - An experienced player who has started parts of five years across SMU and Colorado State, Crossley is an instinctual defensive back with some return experience. He was suspended early in the season for spitting on a player, so he’ll be on a short leash.
S Josh Minkins, Cincinnati, 6-2, 200, n/a - With 49 career games played, Minkins has started at both Louisville and Cincinnati, making 132 total tackles and four interceptions. He factors as one of the more experienced undrafted prospects and should provide training camp competition at safety.
S Jordan Polk, Texas State, 5-11, 178, n/a - New England has chosen to take a flier on several small school prospects such as Polk, who was a 2024 All-Sun Belt Honorable Mention, stuffing the stat-sheet with 69 tackles (five and a half tackles for loss), two sacks, four forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
The New England Patriots will host their rookie minicamp May 9.