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Patriots Add Intriguing Defensive Back In Latest Practice-Squad Change
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- Patriots Add Intriguing Defensive Back In Latest Practice-Squad Change
Patriots Add Intriguing Defensive Back In Latest Practice-Squad Change originally appeared on NESN . Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The New England Patriots continued adjusting the bottom of their roster Friday, adding a young defensive back with a history of creating turnovers. New England signed safety Elliott Davison to the practice squad and released defensive tackle Jalen Hunt, the team announced.
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Davison arrives after spending the offseason with the New Orleans Saints . He played collegiately at Incarnate Word and UTSA before entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent. The move gives Mike Vrabel another developmental option in the secondary before the Patriots begin their season against the Seattle Seahawks .
Elliott Davison Brings Playmaking Background
Davison is listed at 6 feet and 190 pounds. His college production provides the most interesting reason for New England to take a closer look during the 2021 season. He recorded four interceptions and seven pass breakups while finishing third on the team with 55 tackles.
He also delivered two interceptions during an overtime playoff victory over Stephen F. Austin, according to his Incarnate Word player biography .
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Davison later transferred to UTSA and expanded his experience against stronger competition. The Patriots do not need him to become an immediate defensive contributor.
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Practice-squad signings are about traits, development and emergency depth. Davison can spend time learning New England's system while contributing to the scout team and working with the coaching staff.
His special-teams potential could become especially important.
Vrabel has consistently emphasized versatility, and reserve defensive backs frequently earn game-day opportunities through kick coverage before receiving meaningful defensive snaps. Davison's tackling experience and athletic profile give him a reasonable path toward that role. New England released Hunt only days after signing him to the practice squad. That quick reversal is another reminder that practice-squad positions remain fluid throughout the season.
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Teams use those spots to respond to injuries, upcoming opponents and evolving positional needs. Davison's arrival could reflect a desire for additional secondary depth before facing Seattle's passing game. The Patriots already have an established group of safeties led by Kevin Byard III . Davison faces a difficult path toward the active roster.
He now has an opportunity, which is all an undrafted player can ask for in September.
