2023 UDFA thread

[Patsgofor4]

So tempted to post the quote/meme from Ferris Bueller here, but I’ve already used my quota of “boomer humor” for this thread

This is a great source for this particular question, so the Ferris Bueller’s joke makes no sense.

 

[Wozzy]

I like him as a WR conversion.

I should have qualified, if Cunningham has a place at the next level it might be RB. If he can put on some muscle and learn how to pass block he possibly could convert.

He was a heck of a runner in college and his body is similarly built. WR might be too big a leap and he has decent speed for a RB but would be more slot WR if he managed it. Either way I think he’s practice squad bound if he sticks, there will be some development. I could be wrong, maybe he has great hands and proves to be a natural route runner.

 

[50-yard-line]

I thinks it’s more about unhappiness with Belichick’s draft strategy and hoping the positions that were ignored, are filled one way or another. For instance, there are times Belichick has done better in UDFA than the actual draft. So you might feel UDFA is not important, Belichick has fixed his mistakes in UDFA. Some example, Jakobi Meyers wound up being better than 2019 first round pick N’Keal Harry. Thank god we signed Jakobi in 2019, Harry was a massive bust.

The year we signed CB JC Jackson, in 2018, thank god we did, because we drafted Duke Dawson in the 2nd round, Dawson being one of the biggest busts of all time. Jackson went on to be selected to the Pro Bowl in 2021, and signed a big contract in 2022, Dawson was out of the league in 2 years.

So you might think it’s silly, but several of these UDFA will wind up being better than draftees.

Dawson is still in the league with Pittsburgh - and he played two years in Denver, even starting occasionally. Didn't live up to his draft position, but he didn't wash out, either.

 

[Love The Drake]

So we just done signing people.

I mean I look at this roster and realistically it’s got some good depth so the only places I see we should bring in more competition is OT, WR, QB cause why not.
Maybe DT and ILB.

Other than that we are pretty set.

 

[ralmat55]

From what I’ve read Brockington is a blocking TE/FB prospect at the next level. There’s no record of him working out at a pro day so it’s hard to gauge his athleticism. He did play at The Citadel though so he might be getting a look because he’s military.

The other two guys do nothing for me, neither is a standout athlete or exceptional in any way.

A guy who in a pinch could play C and dress as the 8th Olineman but also contribute as a FB would have some game day roster value.

Lumpkin is exceptional in his size. He was listed at 273 pounds in a tv interview with him that I watched.

 

[Ross12]

So the rumors were true after all… the Patriots were signing Lamar Jackson[‘s replacement at Louisville] all along.

 

[Palm Beach Pats Fan]

 

[Palm Beach Pats Fan]

 

[Wozzy]

A guy who in a pinch could play C and dress as the 8th Olineman but also contribute as a FB would have some game day roster value.

Lumpkin is exceptional in his size. He was listed at 273 pounds in a tv interview with him that I watched.

Don’t think either guy could play OL at that size. Brockington FB maybe but but hard to tell with no measurables.

Lumpkin weighed 264 at his pro day. Slow forty, slow agility drills, weak bench press… nothing exceptional about him at all.

2023 Draft Scout Johnny Lumpkin - TE - Louisiana

2023 Draft Scout Johnny Lumpkin - TE - Louisiana

draftscout.com

 

[p8ryts]

Luepke is a no brainer. BOB loves FB's and Hunter should banging down OUR door, because if he comes he will make this team.

I would seriously like a FB. Pats offense seems better with one.

 

[p8ryts]

They only had 3 roster spots because DMac still counts until June 1st, as @Kenneth Sims pointed out earlier in the thread. That is, of course, unless they give some guys their walking papers. Potentially Bryant, Waitmann, Wade, etc...

Do draft picks count before they sign a contract?

 

[DaBruinz]

Do draft picks count before they sign a contract?

Yes. they do. They didn't used to, but that changed in one of the more recent CBAs when they increased the roster to 90.

 

[AQPE]

This is a great source for this particular question, so the Ferris Bueller’s joke makes no sense.

Not doubting the veracity of your source, no disrespect intended, it just reminded me of that line

 

[DaBruinz]

Hmm... Looks like the kid from the Citadel is only getting a try-out. Not actually signing.,

 

[DarrylS]

Hmm... Looks like the kid from the Citadel is only getting a try-out. Not actually signing.,

Pat Conroy (rip) is rooting for him...

 

[patman52]

Don’t think either guy could play OL at that size. Brockington FB maybe but but hard to tell with no measurables.

Lumpkin weighed 264 at his pro day. Slow forty, slow agility drills, weak bench press… nothing exceptional about him at all.

2023 Draft Scout Johnny Lumpkin - TE - Louisiana

2023 Draft Scout Johnny Lumpkin - TE - Louisiana

draftscout.com

you have to take into consideration that he did not formally train for the combine- No agent is going to front him $50,,000 to work out at IMG or the like for 3 months. It is not like he can afford to quit school and train full time even on his own. .

 

[patfanken]

I would seriously like a FB. Pats offense seems better with one.

If Luepke was smart HE'd be calling Gillette to find out how much he has to pay the Pats to sign here. If he does, he'd be the odds on favorite to be THIS year's UDFA to make the 53

 

[rochrist]

So from UDFA so far we signed a QB, TE, and OL:

QB - Malik Cunningham 6-1 190 lbs is a versatile athlete. Might be a conversion project candidate.
TE - Johnny Lumpkin 6-5 264 is a big boy. Might have a chance as a blocking TE.
OL - Ben Brockington 6-1 278. Seems really undersized for the NFL. C is probably the only position he can play and still needs about 20 more lbs added to his body.

Keep em coming!

Gotta keep an eye out for cuts as BB shuffles the roster to make room for new prospects or other teams' castoffs.

And away we go!

Nasty blocking TE named Johnny Lumpkin is an automatic winner!

 

[DaBruinz]

If Luepke was smart HE'd be calling Gillette to find out how much he has to pay the Pats to sign here. If he does, he'd be the odds on favorite to be THIS year's UDFA to make the 53

Luepke signed with Dallas.

 

[n1997y]

Nasty blocking TE named Johnny Lumpkin is an automatic winner!

Wasn’t that the name of a horse in LOTR?