The New England Patriots have a knack for finding guys in the free agent pool after the draft. Cornerback J.C. Jackson has come on strong in the past two years after going undrafted in 2018. Adam Butler is nearing the end of his rookie deal and is looking to earn himself a contract. Malcolm Butler became a Super Bowl hero and an All-Pro.
This year, the Patriots brought in 16 undrafted free agents immediately following the draft. One of them has a lot of potential, but his decision-making has been what has held him back.
Former Miami Hurricanes receiver Jeff Thomas had an interesting story in college. He was a four-star prospect coming out of high school and looked to make an impact with the Hurricanes. He was able to line up out wide, return kicks, and even run the ball a few times.
However, after a few suspensions due to team-rule violations, head coach Mark Richt dismissed Thomas from the team. While the violations were not released, Thomas had fought with his positions coach, didn’t attend practices, and was considering transferring to Illinois, according to The Miami Herald.
Despite that, when coach Manny Diaz stepped up to replace Richt, Thomas was invited back onto the team with open arms. In total, Thomas recorded 83 receptions for 1,316 yards and eight touchdowns, adding on a 22.6 yards per return on kickoffs and 18.9 yards per return on punts. That was with multiple missed games due to suspension.
The Patriots aren’t afraid to go after guys with some character concerns. They took a chance on the aforementioned Jackson was arrested and tried for armed robbery before he was drafted. Former Patriots wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins got in trouble with the law on multiple occasions in high school.
Thomas has the opportunity of a lifetime ahead of him, and Bill Belichick needs to help him reach his potential.
There are no guarantees for the Patriots this season. Without Tom Brady, their options on offense are limited. But there are plenty of opportunities. Now is the perfect time for a guy like Thomas to make his mark and find a role. At 5-foot-8, it’s not likely that he’ll be a dominant outside presence, but he may be able to work the slot, the screen game, and end-arounds.
On special teams, Thomas could finally be their guy to do it all. The Patriots have struggled to find a consistent punt returner since Julian Edelman ascended to the top of the depth chart. And in the kick return game, there hasn’t been a multi-year returner since the days of Ellis Hobbs.
If Thomas can play in a role similar, but smaller, to former Rams wideout/returner Tavon Austin, the Patriots would be overjoyed. Adding a versatile weapon to the offense and special teams groups could provide a huge spark to this 2020 New England Patriots team.
It’s a longshot to say that Thomas will make the Patriots 53-man roster, but he has the talent to do so. It will just take the right coaching to get him there.
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