Patriots gridiron news: Phillip Dorsett an X-factor; team adds Edelman clone
Patriots add a versatile playmaker to practice squad
The New England Patriots aren’t done adding players. According to Eric Edholm of Pro Football Weekly on Monday, the team have added former Detroit Lions wide receiver Jace Billingsley to their practice squad.
Billingsley, 25, totally fits the mold of the type of players on the offensive side the Patriots look for. An undrafted free agent in 2016, the Eastern Oregon product was used as primarily a slot receiver and return man with the Lions. However, he does have an ability to play running back, which makes him an intriguing addition to the practice squad.
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At 5-foot-9, 189 pounds, Jace Billingsley has a similar build to a player currently on the New England Patriots roster he idolizes.
Just last month, Billingsley told the Detroit Free Press that he studies film to learn how to play the game like Julian Edelman.
"“I think one thing that I’ve learned from [Julian Edelman] is that he always is just playing hard and he’s doing things a little unorthodox, but it’s his way and it works for him and he’s gotten good at it,” Billingsley said. “And he just kind of trusts his process and that’s one thing I’ve learned is just finding what you’re good at and building on that rather than trying to always be like someone else, because you’re not them. So you have to be yourself and you have to do what you do good.”"
While Jace Billingsley will start on the practice squad, don’t be surprised if he sees some time on the 53-man roster at some point during the season.