Michigan QB among Patriots rookie free-agent signings

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FOXBORO -- The Patriots weren't done adding to their roster when they made their final pick of the draft on Saturday.

The team picked up five undrafted free agents soon after the seventh round finished: Georgia offensive lineman David Andrews, Michigan receiver Devin Gardner, University of Alabama Birmingham defensive back Jimmy Jean, University of California receiver Chris Harper and Auburn defensive back Brandon King.

The five free-agent additions is a relatively low number compared to other years, but that's due to the fact that New England entered the draft with 75 players, and because its roster was close to maxed out following the third day of the draft.

Though these players were not drafted, there can be very good value found in rookie free agency. Corner Malcolm Butler (2014), fullback James Develin (2010), guard Ryan Wendell (2008) and receiver Danny Amendola (2008) were all undrafted free agents to start their careers.

Amendola spoke recently about how the undrafted label is a tough one to shake and one that players can use for motivation to help them continually fight for roster spots no matter how long they last in the league. 

Here is a little more on each of the above prospects:

DAVID ANDREWS, C, GEORGIA
A three-year starter, Andrews was a captain last season and was named the team's MVP in December. He was thought to be one of the best centers in the country as a senior, but when he participated in the East-West Shrine game he got some work at guard.

Experts say Andrews is technically sound and athletic, but at 6-foot-2, 295 pounds, the frame he carries may be deemed by some as too light to withstand NFL defensive lines.

The Patriots have found success with smaller interior linemen in the past, however. Last year's starting right guard Ryan Wendell -- who started as New England's center in 2012 and 2013 -- is currently listed at 6-2, 300 pounds. When he entered the league out of Fresno State he was about 280 pounds. While it took Wendell a few seasons to find a regular role, the Patriots kept him around despite his relative lack of size.

DEVIN GARDNER, WR, MICHIGAN
The comparisons to Julian Edelman are inevitable. Like Edelman, Gardner was a college quarterback who is hoping to make the leap to the NFL as a wideout. But Gardner is a much different type of prospect than Edelman in that he's 6-4 and 217 pounds.

Though his receiving skill set is very raw, Gardner has the traits to be a size mismatch on the outside, and he's thought of as a hard-worker who will get the most out of his ability in due time. Plus, one would think that it would have to be a positive that he could give his new team another arm to use in practice if a need a rose. Gardner reportedly worked out for the Patriots back in March

CHRIS HARPER, WR, CAL
Not a single player from the University of California was drafted this year, but Harper was picked up by the Patriots soon after the draft finished. His team's No. 2 receiver last season, he caught 159 balls for 1,963 yards and 13 scores in his three-year career. 

At 5-11, 182 pounds, Harper is thought of as a solid route-runner and he projects as a potential slot receiver at the next level who could chip in as a return man.

JIMMY JEAN, DB, UAB
One of two big defensive backs the Patriots went after on Saturday after the draft, Jean checks in at 6-2, 202 pounds. A two-year starter at UAB after spending two years at Alabama Baptist Junior College, Jean had a decent pro day for someone of his size, running a 4.58-second 40-yard dash and a posting a 35-inch vertical. 

Though a corner at UAB, Jean could be moved to safety and likely will have to have to compete for a spot as a special teamer when he gets to Foxboro. 

BRANDON KING, DB, AUBURN
Another tall defensive back at 6-2, 217, King actually made a move from safety to linebacker last season in order to help the team's pass-rush. 

At his pro day in March, he ran a 4.5-second 40-yard dash and recorded a 35-inch vertical.

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