Official 2017 UDFA Thread

[Mack Herron]

 

[manxman2601]

These UDFAs seem really interesting. Shame so many won't make the roster.

 

[long distance]

Ok Im done .. amazing .. shivering like at TD

One of most beautiful stories of this draft as well

hope you make it here, David!

 

[jboston19]

@NEPD_Loyko: David Jones, FS, Richmond to #Patriots

 

[DaBruinz]

Wonder how long before someone puts a skull and crossbones flag in the kids locker..

 

[patchick]

I love that we signed Augusta! When he played at 390, I didn't like him, but his tape at 345 is almost Branch-like. Now that he has his thyroid issues diagnosed and medicated, he's lost 50 pounds since the bowl games at the end of the year. I expect him to eventually become a starter in a couple years. That extra weight was holding him back, but he is a very talented and surprisingly athletic DT when playing at the correct size.

Imagine putting up a 28.5" vertical at 347 lbs!

 

[manxman2601]

Wonder how long before someone puts a skull and crossbones flag in the kids locker..

I got it. Nice.

 

[BelichickFan]

These UDFAs seem really interesting. Shame so many won't make the roster.

No but some end up on the Practice Squad in addition to the 1-2 that often make the 53. Those who are worthy generally stick around (with some unfortunate losses too, like last year).

 

[DaBruinz]

I got it. Nice.

I would hope so.. Otherwise I really start to feel old.. LOL

 

[jboston19]

These UDFAs seem really interesting. Shame so many won't make the roster.

Yeah, there's a lot of interesting players and great stories. Just so few roster spots.

 

[long distance]

And while we're on the safety subject - possibly the biggest sleeper and greatest late round/UDFA prospect is David Jones.

Versatile, tough, smart, mature, athletic, playmaker, all-around football player. The only Q is if he can stay on the field. 2 arm injuries seem to hurt his “stock“ (currently projected priority UDFA) but I would not be surprised if some team has him way up.

I don't care too much for highlights but there's not much film on him & this is a nice clip overall - so here:




The only full game on Draftbreakdown is from 2015:


Had a good Pro Day (excellent speed) and worked out all the drills incl. bench despite rehabbing from second arm injury.

Id love to have this young man on my team..
___

Here a nice article on him - he's being honest in difficult situation:
The Collegian :: David Jones overcomes injury to pursue his NFL dream

Quote:

“He is really smart and he watched more film than anybody.“

Jones has been preparing for the draft by working out, watching film and doing rehab for his arm at EXOS in Frisco, Texas.

“We work out Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays twice a day, and Tuesdays and Thursdays we work out three times a day, and on Saturdays we work out once in the morning,” Jones said. “You could be sitting around at the house and the next man is working out, watching film, getting better, so you have to keep that in mind to keep you going.”
__

This from another Q&A:
NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: David Jones, DB, University of RIchmond

What will be the first big item you buy once you are in the NFL?

Anything that will help with recovery or preventative for injuries (norma tech boots, Cryo, hot/cold tub). I took some words of advice from a few veterans who suggested to take care of your body once you first get into the league. After a few years, once you are settled in with a secure job, then buy a car, house, jewelry, etc.
_

And how's this for an honest answer:

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

No matter who I play or what level I play on, I always puke before the game to get the nerves out. I can never control it. It just happens.

 

[I.M. Fletcher]

Fletch will be happy

He's gonna need a redshirt year, but he can make a career for himself.

Great weekend and a great year with all y'all. Wish I had been around a bit more the last month, but they killed this draft.

 

[manxman2601]

 

[Ivan]

Its done! (Langi)
BB is off to Natucket..

I'm
Talking more about finding out who they signed, I paid almost no attention to this draft. I really think Belichick is shifting the dynamic to getting young players who have tape in the pros over prospects. You lose some years of service if you can't resign them but you get guys who don't need two years to figure it out. This is their best draft I can remember and they traded most of the picks. I think we will see much more of this going forward

 

[long distance]

Can't have them all

My day is made anyway..

 

[manxman2601]

Speaking of uniting brothers, don't forget Deatrich Wise called Trey Flowers his big brother

 

[patsinthesnow]

 

[patchick]

These UDFAs seem really interesting. Shame so many won't make the roster.

And yet...despite the crowded roster, would it be shocking for Langi, Augusta, Thompson and one of the OGs to all make it? No roster is really "full," it seems.

 

[Mack Herron]

 

[manxman2601]