At this time last year, Gary Guyton was just the linebacker with the fastest 40 time at the NFL Combine. BenJarvus Green-Ellis was a running back with a funny long name.
We had no idea these guys that couldn’t get drafted would become valuable contributors on the field. Guyton was often substituted for Tedy Bruschi. And when the running back ranks were depleted, Green-Ellis started three games and had a 105-yard performance against Buffalo.
Guyton and Green-Ellis were rookie free agents, the longest of the longshots. Fans think of these players as guys to take repetitions during training camp to keep veterans fresh. But more often than we realize, some of these players, considered to have next to no chance, prove to be worthy of a roster spot.
New England signed several rookie free agents. Here’s a quick look at these currently unknown players. And if one of these athletes ends up making the roster, they won’t be total unknowns.
Terrence Nunn, WR, 6-0 190, Nebraska
A prolific Conrhusker receiver sounds like an oxymoron, but that’s what Nunn was by Nebraska’s standards. Thanks to then-coach Bill Callahan’s pass first offense, Nunn became second in Nebraska history in receptions and yards. Nunn is also a proven punt returner, which might be is where his true value to the Patriots lies.
Tyree Barnes, WR, 6-2 197, Navy
Blessed with length and 4.4 speed, Barnes earned his stripes by being a good blocker on a run-first Navy offense. He’s a big-play threat that averaged 20 yards per reception last year.
Omar Cuff, RB, 5-9 195, Delaware
A dual threat out of the backfield, Cuff spent 2008 on the Tennessee practice squad but never saw the field. Cuff is a tough runner despite his size. He’s also explosive. Cuff put together a ridiculous senior season (1,945 rushing yards, 55 receptions for 554 yards, 39 total TDs) with Joe Flacco the QB.
Eric Kettani, FB, 6-0 231, Navy
A second Naval officer Belichick is giving a chance to live his dream. Like Barnes, his service commitment could prevent him from playing in the NFL for the next two years. Kettani is a no-nonsense fullback with the ability to break tackles and gain tough yards in short yardage situations. He hasn’t caught the ball much and he’s a little light for the position. But with no replacement for Heath Evans, there is an opening for Kettani.
Robert Ortiz, WR, 6-1 188, San Diego State
Ortiz graduated in 2006 but he never made it in the NFL so far. This will be his second stint with the Patriots as he was waived last year. Ortiz bounced around to San Diego and San Francisco and is now back where he started from. The tall and lanky target spent the 2007 season in NFL Europe and hopes this year he finally breaks through and makes the roster.
P Aaron Perez, UCLA
He’s taller and more athletic than your average punter. Perez had plenty of chances to hone his specialty as the punter for UCLA. Perez does a good job with directional punting and punts inside the 20. He must improve his consistency, but Perez is a good, young leg with potential.
Shun White, WR, 5-9 190, Navy
The other half of the Midshipmen’s backfield gets an opportunity with the Pats as well. The lightning to Kettani’s thunder, White is explosive and could go the distance any time he touches the ball. Due to his lack of size, White might have to switch to receiver, though he has little experience catching the ball. According to my total, he has less the 20 receptions in four years.
Steve Williams, DL, 6-2 306, Northwest Missouri State
Maybe the biggest mystery of the free agent class. Williams is not a rookie, but he barely played in three years. He spent 2006 on Kansas City’s practice squad, was signed to Carolina’s active roster in 2008, and now gets his third chance in New England. He never played a down with the Panthers and got limited snaps with the Chiefs.
Keywords: Aaron Perez, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Bill Belichick, Eric Kettani, Gary Guyton, New England Patriots, Omar Cuff, Robert Ortiz, Shun White, Steve Williams, Terrence Nunn, Tyree Barnes
