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Patriots UDFA RB Signed To Compete With Alabama Draft Pick For Final Spot originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New England Patriots brought in a pretty deep undrafted free agent class, all competing for a spot on the Super Bowl-contending roster. Of the 12-member class, none signed a richer contract than former Central Florida running back Myles Montgomery.
Montgomery put pen to paper on a three-year deal worth $272,500. He told ESPN's Mike Reiss that he chose the Patriots over the 31 other teams in the NFL because he believes he can win the competition to become the third running back on the roster.
"(The contract) reflects how the Patriots had competition from others to sign Montgomery, who was timed at 4.44 in the 40-yard dash in the predraft process," Reiss wrote.
"Those close to the 23-year-old Montgomery say the Patriots appealed to him because of the opportunity to compete for the No. 3 spot on the depth chart with Terrell Jennings, Lan Larison and Jam Miller, and also the approach and success of the (Mike) Vrabel-led coaching staff."
Looking down this Patriots roster, the third running back slot could wind up being the only real roster battle this offseason. I suppose first-round draft pick Caleb Lomu could make a push for the right tackle position currently held by veteran Morgan Moses. But aside from that, fans generally know who they're going to see in Week 1.
There is no reason Montgomery couldn't steal that spot if the 5-foot-10, 205-pound running back lives up to the hype. Terrell Jennings did nothing to set himself apart last season in his many opportunities after Antonio Gibson got hurt, while Lan Larrison did not make it through the preseason healthy.
As an Alabama fan myself, I can confidently tell you that he never truly impressed in his four seasons with the Crimson Tide. He averaged less than four yards per carry his senior year and only found the endzone three times.
Selfishly, I hope this story carries into training camp. It could be a very fun thread.
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