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The New England Patriots are taking a quiet swing at a former five-star recruit. New England announced that it signed defensive tackle Travis Shaw as a rookie free agent. The Patriots also released long snapper Niko Lalos to make room on the offseason NFL roster. On paper, this is a minor May transaction. But Shaw’s background makes it more interesting than a typical roster move.
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Nov 16, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive lineman Travis Shaw (4) reacts in the third quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Shaw was once a major recruiting name, a five-star prospect with the size and profile of a future NFL defensive lineman. His college production never fully matched that hype, which is why he went undrafted. But the Patriots are now giving him a chance to turn physical tools into a roster push.
Shaw played at North Carolina before transferring to Texas. Across 50 college games, he totaled 68 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, four pass deflections, and two fumble recoveries. He started just one game, so this is not a signing based on dominant college tape. It is a bet on size, pedigree, and developmental upside.
Nov 30, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive lineman Travis Shaw (4) reacts in the fourth quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
That fits the Patriots’ current roster-building approach. Shaw gives New England another big body inside, and he joins a defensive line group that is now nine players deep. With Khyiris Tonga gone in free agency, Shaw could compete as a depth run-stopper if he shows enough during camp.
The move also appears to simplify the long snapper picture. Lalos had been added earlier in the offseason, but his release leaves Julian Ashby positioned as the team’s primary option there.
Shaw is still a long shot. Former five-star status does not guarantee anything in the NFL, but for a Super Bowl-contending franchise looking for cheap defensive line upside, this is exactly the kind of low-risk move worth watching.
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MORE: Skip Bayless ranks his top 12 NFL quarterbacks of all-time
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Nov 16, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive lineman Travis Shaw (4) reacts in the third quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Five Star Prospect
Shaw was once a major recruiting name, a five-star prospect with the size and profile of a future NFL defensive lineman. His college production never fully matched that hype, which is why he went undrafted. But the Patriots are now giving him a chance to turn physical tools into a roster push.
Shaw played at North Carolina before transferring to Texas. Across 50 college games, he totaled 68 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, four pass deflections, and two fumble recoveries. He started just one game, so this is not a signing based on dominant college tape. It is a bet on size, pedigree, and developmental upside.
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Nov 30, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive lineman Travis Shaw (4) reacts in the fourth quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Strong Fit In New England
That fits the Patriots’ current roster-building approach. Shaw gives New England another big body inside, and he joins a defensive line group that is now nine players deep. With Khyiris Tonga gone in free agency, Shaw could compete as a depth run-stopper if he shows enough during camp.
The move also appears to simplify the long snapper picture. Lalos had been added earlier in the offseason, but his release leaves Julian Ashby positioned as the team’s primary option there.
Shaw is still a long shot. Former five-star status does not guarantee anything in the NFL, but for a Super Bowl-contending franchise looking for cheap defensive line upside, this is exactly the kind of low-risk move worth watching.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
Continue reading...
