Perhaps we are simply looking at this from different ends. I agree that the patriots are good at finding and developing UDFA's. This was true of Bill and is true of Vrabel. Claiming Durden was a major coup.
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I AGREE
that Vrabel will find a few roster players that out of all the new UDFA's now on our roster and those UDFA's signed before camp. My guess is that there will be almost 50 of these players coming and going. As I have said, I rarely predict individual players (Larison last year) but I recognize that 1-3 are likely to be on the Game 2 Day roster (after the final cut and week one scramble). Looking to last year, Chism was the only one on the team from the beginning of the season (and throughout). For me, the only one that really was a find was Ponder. That's not a lot out of the 50 tryouts. We may get something in the future from Larison and Lampe. They may the first to be on the IR for their rookie year and then become contributors.
UDFA'S FROM OTHER TEAMS
This is another category entirely. Vrabel picked up Durden, Woods, Gregory, Taylor and Johnson. Players from this group clearly have a much higher probability of success. Durden is already a key starter.
FOR ME
I leave it for others to evaluate to 50 UDFA and UDFA level players who will pass through the roster between now and the pre-season. Of course, I will follow the UDFA's signed after the draft since we will have followed them through the draft process. As I said, maybe a couple will be contributors. From my poor memory, I recall few that we didn't have interest in the draft that have surprised us. And, yes, perhaps these players are worth more effort than I give.
MY BOTTOM LINE
I have little interest in UDFA level players being signed between now and camp other than those we followed in the draft process.
AS AN ASIDE
I should look at those who signed future contracts. They should be providing camp competition.