The New England Patriots concluded their rookie mini-camp tryouts today and made some transactions. The Patriots signed undrafted rookie free agent running back Terrell Jennings out of Florida A & M, offensive guard Ryan Johnson of Youngstown State, linebacker Jay Person from Chattanooga University and international rugby player Jotham Russell who's going to learn how to play defensive end. They also cut veteran running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn, but let's take a look at who got signed from the rookie camp tryouts.
Jennings had 120 carries for 674 yards and nine rushing touchdowns for the Rattlers in 2023 along with 7 receptions for 60 yards. The Rattlers themselves capped off a hell of season in D-1A going 12-1 and Jennings was a big part of it. With the departure of Ezekiel Elliott back to Dallas, Rhamondre Stevenson is going to need some help in the running game. Maybe Jennings can show some promise.
Ryan Johnson was a guard for the Youngstown State Penguins who went 8-5 in the D-1A this season. He's 6'6, 300 pounds and most importantly, started all 13 games for the Penguins this season. The NFL is all about attrition and injuries, Bill Belichick stressed "next man up" for years so its good to have a depth piece that can stay on the field. Whether or not he's good enough to make the team remains to be seen.
Jay Person is the elder statesman as he played his freshman year back in 2018 at Appalachian State before coming to the Chattanooga Mocs. He led the Mocs with 9.5 last year as an edge rusher but went undrafted due to age and concerns that he played on a 7-4 team in D-1A. Still, to be named conference player of the year twice is a good thing even if its against inferior competition. Doesn't mean he can't play, only that competition is going to be MUCH tougher come training camp.
Lastly the Patriots are trying out Australian rugby player Jotham Russell. Rugby is justtttt a bit different than American football so it'll be interesting to see how he'll do in pads and a helmet. The good news is he's technically not on the 90 man roster because he's part of the International Player Pathway program so if he's good, he'll stay. If not, oh well.
The only casualty is the Patriots cut veteran running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn. Vaughn was signed to the Practice Squad back in December and was part of Tom Brady's Tampa Bay Buccaneers that won Superbowl 55. The Patriots feel that Terrell Jennings might be a better option come training camp. If Vaughn goes on to have a good season somewhere else, good on him.
Bye bye Vaughn
With the conclusion of the mini-camp tryouts, they liked what they saw in those four players. A lot of those guys probably will never play football professionally, but some of them might catch on in the United Football League, Canadian Football League or the Arena League, while some of them might actually play in the NFL. Time will tell for all of them.
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