The Patriots filled two roster spots ahead of today’s first training camp practice by signing linebacker Diego Fagot out of Navy and former 49ers third round pick Jalen Hurd, a wide receiver out of Baylor.
Fagot is a player many thought the Patriots might have signed after he went undrafted following the 2022 NFL Draft. He is tough, physical and smart. He is a long shot to make the team but I would not be surprised if he pushed to stay on the roster all the way through the end of camp.
Hurd is an interesting signing. The 27 year old was drafted in the third round (67th overall) by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2019 NFL Draft. He transferred to Baylor from Tennessee where he played running back. At 6-5 230, he has terrific size and athleticism but he has had knee issues and is attempting to make a comeback.
When asked about why the Patriots signed Hurd, Bill Belichick didn’t get into specifics other than to say that the team wanted to work with him and that he will play receiver.
Work with him could mean that the Patriots may have some ideas on how to use him in the running and passing game but that will depend on how healthy he is. Remember, that was the same thought process when they signed Lynn Bowden two years ago. We thought they were going to do all these things with the former quarterback out of Kentucky and they were never able to use him.
Hurd is certainly a player worth monitoring in camp. He will be competing with a handful of other receivers for the fifth receiver spot on the roster.
One thing is certain. Hurd doesn’t lack confidence. He said this about himself leading up to the 2019 draft.
“As the most dynamic player anyone has ever seen. I’m definitely the most versatile player in this draft. I’d say l’m the most versatile player to come out of the draft in the past 15-20 years and l’ll explain why. I’ve done the research and I’ve asked this question to any NFL coach l’ve ever spoken with and I really
haven’t heard them tell me otherwise. While there have been transitions between positions before, of course we’ve seen that multiple times. But when have you seen an elite running back transition to becoming an elite wide receiver? I think l’m the first
person to ever accomplish that.”
Well, now Hurd has a chance to prove that he is what he says he is.