Pats sign a tight end, Nate Byham...

DarrylS · Jul 20, 2014

A Greg Schiano protege, more of a blocker than a receiver... could provide some TC competition, coming off of ACL surgery... 6'4", 264 lbs. Originally signed by San Francisco...

Guess Keller, Finley and Clark are not part of the plan...

Source: New England Patriots agree with TE Nate Byham - espnBoston

Mack Herron · Jul 20, 2014

DarrylS said:
A Greg Schiano protege, more of a blocker than a receiver... could provide some TC competition, coming off of ACL surgery... 6'4", 264 lbs. Originally signed by San Francisco...

Guess Keller, Finley and Clark are not part of the plan...

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots

Is Bill getting tips from a surgeon?

patfanken · Jul 20, 2014

We've heard a lot of TE names bantered about over the last few months. THIS wasn't one of the them. Ah well, par for the BB course. This isn't going to set well with the "receiverists" (people who only care about adding receivers)

The all important Combine numbers in five....four.....three.....

OhExaulted1 · Jul 20, 2014

Camp fodder.

RelocatedPatFan · Jul 20, 2014

Mack Herron said:
Is Bill getting tips from a surgeon?

Maybe we're trying to field the All-ACL repair team.

VrabelMayeWin · Jul 20, 2014

At the combine (before ACL tear) he was a little like Justin Jones, impressive quickness for size but slow straight ahead. Also wasn't very strong (bench reps) so he'd better have improved there.

Unless Keller is still working to get his knee ready it's clear we'll let a bunch of journeymen battle for the Mulligan spot and if Gronk gets hurt we'll just have a classic "no catch" TE and likely spread it out with WR and RB who can catch.

Love The Drake · Jul 20, 2014

Then bet the house Keller will be a Patriot.
Bynum maybe competition for the fullback position with his excellent blocking skills.
I saw a few plays where he was the fullback in college and the pros.
The Second third Tightend position is wide open as is fullback In my opinion.
But would love a Keller on this team.

Brady6 · Jul 20, 2014

He is a Mulligan type TE, primarily for blocking purposes. He could potentially stick if his knee is 100%.

Brady6 · Jul 20, 2014

Keller clearly is either not recovered or he is not the same player he was prior to the injury, otherwise he would not be a UFA on July 20th. I think fans need to hang up the Dustin Keller as a Patriots dream because it appears it is not going to happen.

mgteich · Jul 20, 2014

ChrisR2223 said:
Then bet the house Keller will be a Patriot.
Bynum maybe competition for the fullback position with his excellent blocking skills.
I saw a few plays where he was the fullback in college and the pros.
The Second third Tightend position is wide open as is fullback In my opinion.
But would love a Keller on this team.

I agree. Byham is a competitor for a blocking 3rd TE position, if there is one, or he i competition for Develin. This signing has no effect on the decision to sign a receiving TE if one is available.

Joker · Jul 20, 2014

Foddering camper

PATSYLICIOUS · Jul 20, 2014

Not 1. Not 2. Not 3. Not 4. Not 5. Not 6.......

Deus Irae · Jul 20, 2014

What's the line on him lasting long enough to take snaps in an exhibition game?

Ian · Jul 20, 2014

Deus Irae said:
What's the line on him lasting long enough to take snaps in an exhibition game?

I think there might be an error in the report. According to what I found he suffered the torn ACL during the 2011 training camp with the 49ers, which eventually lead to his release in 2012 and subsequent injury settlement. All the other reports I found stated his recent injuries were "calf and knee injuries", but no mention of a second tear. If he's coming off of a torn ACL last year, then that would actually make two. However, after everything I found, nothing confirms he suffered a second.

OhExaulted1 · Jul 20, 2014

Joker said:
Foddering camper

That would be the guy who's too hammered to set up his tent. Seen it on the Saco many times.

Mack Herron · Jul 20, 2014

Ian said:
I think there might be an error in the report. According to what I found he suffered the torn ACL during the 2011 training camp with the 49ers, which eventually lead to his release in 2012 and subsequent injury settlement. All the other reports I found stated his recent injuries were "calf and knee injuries", but no mention of a second tear. If he's coming off of a torn ACL last year, then that would actually make two. However, after everything I found, nothing confirms he suffered a second.

Good call--according to Rotoworld, he tore ACL in TC 8/11, then during his comeback required surgery a year later for a meniscus that prompted an injury settlement release. Went to Bucs, where he was IR'd on 10/13 with an unspecified knee injury. Appears to be healthy now and, amazingly, has fallen into our lap.

http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nfl/5943/nate-byham

OhExaulted1 · Jul 20, 2014

Deus Irae said:
What's the line on him lasting long enough to take snaps in an exhibition game?

Probably about the same as Bequette playing TE.

mgteich · Jul 20, 2014

OK, I'm happy that we picked up some camp competition. But why is it "amazing" that a 6th rounder with 2 injuries since coming to the league, and a high of 5 receptions, would be available for the patriots?

Mack Herron said:
Appears to be healthy now and, amazingly, has fallen into our lap.

http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nfl/5943/nate-byham

Mack Herron · Jul 21, 2014

mgteich said:
OK, I'm happy that we picked up some camp competition. But why is it "amazing" that a 6th rounder with 2 injuries since coming to the league, and a high of 5 receptions, would be available for the patriots?

That was sarcasm, sorry. He looks a lot like Mulligan without the reliability. I am one of those who would like to see a legitimate receiving threat behind Gronk.

RobAllan · Jul 21, 2014

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