New England Patriots: Team signs undrafted rookie free agent WR Austin Carr
The New England Patriots only made four draft selections in the 2017 NFL Draft, but is filling the roster with undrafted rookie free agents.
Former Northwestern wide receiver Austin Carr will have a chance to catch balls from New England Patriots star quarterback Tom Brady.
According to CSN Chicago, the Big Ten Wide Receiver of the Year, has signed as an undrafted free agent with the team known for utilizing the skills of undersized receivers.
With just four draft picks made in this year’s draft, the defending Super Bowl champions are dipping deep into the undrafted free agent pool, and may have found a diamond in the rough.
The Big Ten Receiver of the Year @ayeseeme has signed with the @Patriots. #B1GCats pic.twitter.com/v0VHqveQDT
— Northwestern Football (@NUFBFamily) April 30, 2017
The 6-foot-0, 202-pound Carr was one of college football’s best receivers during the 2016 season. He led the Big Ten in receptions (90), receiving yards (1247) and touchdowns (12), but was not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine.
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That snub, along with not being drafted means Carr will enter training camp as a very productive player with a large chip on his shoulder.
Who is Austin Carr?
A Bilentnikoff Award finalist in 2016, Austin Carr’s determination yielded him from a walk-on to one of the most productive receivers in college football.
His excellent ball skills, strong hands and ability to catch the ball in traffic may remind some of Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman.
In fact, Carr will more than likely began his quest to make an NFL roster as a slot receiver.
With the New England Patriots, Carr will be around players in Edelman and Danny Amendola who know the position and know how to play bigger than they are. He will also get an opportunity to learn from a coaching staff who know how to utilize his capabilities.
Overall, Austin Carr could be a long shot to make the 53-man roster, but I think he will impress enough to become a strong practice squad candidate.
Next: Boston Red Sox April Farm Report: Six Stars of the Future
From there, sky is the limit for a player who has gotten where he is fueled by a full tank of motivation.