The Patriots open up rookie mini camp later this week. Aside from the talent they drafted last weekend, they also signed 17 undrafted free agents. It is a deep group with some talent. 

We ranked all 17 players brought in and their chances of getting to training camp and making the team. 

The Patriots, have had an undrafted free agent make the initial 53-man roster in 20 of the last 21 years. A remarkable run. 

Here is a look at this year’s group. 

1. C.J Dippre, TE, Alabama: Dippre is one of the best blocking tight ends in the class and could also stick as a special teamer. He profiles as a move U or F tight end who could be used in 13 personnel. He will compete against Jaheim Bell for the third tight end spot. 

2. Jack Conley, OG, Boston College: Conley’s versatility at guard and tackle will give him an opportunity to stick with the Patriots. Conley can play multiple positions which makes him a valuable commodity in today’s NFL as a seventh or eighth offensive lineman. Given the uncertainty at guard and center for the Patriots, Conley will have a legitimate shot to make the team. 

3. Elijah Ponder, EDGE, Cal Poly: Ponder is an explosive athlete who can be disruptive and make plays at or behind the line of scrimmage. He had a 41-inch vertical leap, an 11-foot broad jump and ran a 4.63-second 40. Ponder can play on the ball or as an off ball linebacker and can also contribute on special teams. He is a twitched up talent that would be a good scheme fit for the Patriots. 

4. Lan Larison, RB, UC Davis: Larison has quickly become a fan favorite with his resume and bull riding exploits but don’t let that fool you. He scored 23 touchdowns last season and racked up 2,387 all-purpose yards. Larison is a Rex Burkhead clone who can be effective as a runner and receiver. He will also contribute on special teams as well, potentially as a returner. 

5. Ben Wooldridge, QB, Louisiana: Wooldridge will have a good shot at making the team because as it stands, he is currently the team’s third quarterback. Wooldridge started his career at Fresno State before transferring to Louisiana. He started the past two seasons for the Ragin Cajuns. He has enough size for the position at 6’2 215 and he can make plays in and out of the pocket. He can manage the offense and play within the scheme. 

6. Cole Birdow, OG, Merrimack: Birdow is a terrific athlete who can make the Patriots as a swing tackle or guard. The former defensive lineman impressed the  Patriots at his Pro Day. His 41 inch vertical and laterally quickness popped. 

7. Jahvaree Ritzie, DT, North Carolina: Undersized but explosive, Ritzie will have a chance to make the Patriots as a rotational defensive lineman who play both the 3T or the 2i tackle in their scheme. 

8. Efton Chism III, WR, Eastern Washington: Chism is a crafty route runner who operates best out of the slot. His college production overshadows his slow forty time (4.71). A player to watch at rookie mini-camp. The only issue for Chism is, the receiver room is filled to the brim (10 receivers).

9. Cam Riley, LB, Florida State: Riley profiles as a WILL back in a 40 front and sub packages. Riley plays with good instincts and can get down hill. He is not an elite athlete but he can make the Patriots as a situational linebacker and special teamer. 

10. Gee Scott Jr., TE, Ohio State: Undersized tight end who is a smaller version of Jaheim Bell. Scott will have to carve a role out on special teams in order to make the team. 

11. Brock Lampe, FB, Northern Illinois: Could the Patriots be employing a fullback again? It is possible. With Josh McDaniels back, the position will be featured in the offense once again. That is why Lampe has a legitimate shot at making the team. He will need to play on all the special teams to make it however. 

12. Brandon Crossley, CB, SMU: Crossely has a legitimate at making the team. The Patriots could use another another corner. He has good size at 5’11 186 and he ran a 4.41 at his pro day. Crossely doesn’t pop athletically on tape but he has good ball skills. 

13. Josh Minkins, S, Cincinnati: Minkins is a hybrid safety who play in the box or screw down post snap. He moves well in short areas and offers some coverage versatility. He is tough and a good football player but again, safety will be a tough position to crack. 

14. Jeremiah Webb, WR, South Alabama: Webb can play all three receiver spots in 11 personnel. He is a good route runner with burst and explosiveness out of cuts. Problem is, the Patriots don’t have much room at receiver so it will take a lot for him to make the team. The athletic traits are in place however. 

15. Jordan Polk, S, Texas State: The 5’11 189 pound Polk is going to have to have to make an impact on special teams if he wants to make the team. Polk has displayed some athleticism over the top and some versatility in terms of coverage alignment but the athletic traits aren’t enough to beat out the veterans on the roster. 

16. Demeer Blankumsee, WR, Memphis: Production slipped last season but Blankumsee is a refined route runner who offers alignment versatility at 5’11 192. Despite that, he is a long shot to make the team. 

17. Wilfried Pene, DT, Virginia Tech: The Connecticut raised Pene made four starts at Virginia Tech but his quickness off the ball and ability to naturally bend are the reason the Patriots gave him a shot.