Every year, the rookies drafted by a team are joined by college graduates who were not selected. This time, the New England Patriots have a special name among them: quarterback D’Eriq King. Because whether he will also play quarterback is still completely open.

Munich/Foxborough – It was a rather surprising draft for the New England Patriots, at least for the experts.

One of the picks that caused a stir was fourth-round pick Bailey Zappe. The Western Kentucky quarterback is expected to become Mac Jones’ backup, while Brian Hoyer is likely to join the coaching staff in the mid-term.

The Patriots even picked up another nominal quarterback after the draft. Nominal because Miami’s D’Eriq King will likely play the least amount of time at quarterback.

King as Mr. Do-it-all

Because the 24-year-old is a complete athlete, his college stats already show: 76 passing touchdowns, 32 rushing touchdowns, five receiving touchdowns.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity and I’m looking forward to getting started soon,” King said on the “Pro Football Network.” Matt Groh, the Patriots’ director of player personnel, has also reportedly already revealed to him what role the six-time champion has in mind for him: “They want to do everything with me. Quarterback, running back, receiver, anything that’s needed right now. “

Memories come back to Patriots fans of Julian Edelman. He, too, nearly became an undrafted free agent, but the Patriots took the Kent State quarterback in round seven and retrained him to be a returner and wide receiver who was also inserted for trick plays throughout his career, throwing the ball.

King’s failure to get drafted was largely due to a serious shoulder injury suffered his senior year, when he only made it to three games with Miami. “I wasn’t shocked, in fact I prepared myself for not being selected,” the 24-year-old explained.

Taysom Hill 2.0?

His goal with the Patriots is clear: “I want to make the roster.” And after that? “I want to make plays. Where, I don’t care. I’ve talked to old teammates who played here. Coach Belichick is the best head coach ever,” King enthused.

Patriots fans must be hoping the former Hurricanes quarterback plays a similar role to Taysom Hill with the New Orleans Saints. Hill is known as a “Swiss Army knife” who eagerly switches between the quarterback, fullback, running back and tight end positions.

King would not be the first Undrafted Free Agent to blossom in New England. Names like David Andrews, Jonathan Jones, J.C. Jackson and Gunner Olszewski all came to Foxborough undrafted and are now respected players in the NFL.

With Mac Jones, Brian Hoyer, Jarrett Stidham, Bailey Zappe and D’Eriq King, there are currently five quarterbacks in the Patriots’ squad.