A year after getting meaningful contributions from a pair of undrafted free agents, the New England Patriots are hoping for a repeat.
Last year, the New England
Patriots got a huge return on their investment from the addition of undrafted free agents Elijah Ponder
and Efton Chism III
. While neither lit up the stat sheet, both were contributors for the team in their Super Bowl run last season.
With the draft behind us, it's time to look at players who fell through the cracks. Undrafted free agents slip through the net all the time to become contributors. Who could be that this year for the Patriots?
I wrote earlier this week about Dixon's massive guaranteed deal to sign with the Patriots, likely a sign of their feelings on his ability to make the roster. Dixon, a tremendous athlete at 6-2, 220, posted a 40.5″ vertical and 131″ broad jump at Missouri's Pro Day. The movement skills and production are impressive. Given the turnover that could hit the Patriots' wide receiver room, I wouldn't be shocked if Dixon sneaks his way onto the 53-man roster.
With the Patriots looking to expand into more heavier-personnel looks offensively, they brought in Julian Hill and Reggie Gilliam to help improve their run blocking. I think Tanner Arkin can deliver a similar impact. Arkin was a strong in-line blocker for the Illini in recent years. His ability to boost their offense and special teams could give him an advantage on roster cuts.
Rizy's name didn't get mentioned much during the draft process, but I think there's an interesting situation worth monitoring here. What makes Rizy so intriguing is his experience playing all five offensive line spots throughout his college career. He has over 250 snaps at four of the five spots with 68 snaps at center. That kind of versatility and swing ability could be valuable to keep him on the roster when it comes to cut time.
Not much has been made about Canada, but I think there's a chance he might be able to sneak into a somewhat thin end of the cornerback rotation for the Patriots. At nearly 6'0, Canada ran a 4.36 40-yard dash and plays with good twitch to his game. He'll have to beat out names like Charles Woods and Kindle Vildor to get there. However, his speed could be an asset over the field for special teams work.
New England Patriots News
AJ Schulte April 25, 2026
