Patriots signed a talented undrafted free agent that the rest of the NFL forgot to draft
With the 2024 NFL Draft over, many rookies have found their new homes. But after the seven rounds were over, there were still some that remained available. So with that, the undrafted free agents began to get signed as soon as the final pick was in. And one of them was Oregon State running back Deshaun […]
With the 2024 NFL Draft over, many rookies have found their new homes. But after the seven rounds were over, there were still some that remained available. So with that, the undrafted free agents began to get signed as soon as the final pick was in.
And one of them was Oregon State running back Deshaun Fenwick, who the New England Patriots picked up.
At 6-foot-0 and 230-pounds, Fenwick possess a vital skill. He runs angry and possesses greater agility, which many other runnings back of his stature are not able to do.
Fenwick began his collegiate career at South Carolina, remaining there for three years before transferring to Oregon State.
And that proved to be the right decision, with Fenwick's production showing a lot of improvement. He had his best season in 2022, finishing with 114 carries for 553 yards and seven receiving touchdowns. Yet, in 2023, he added a new level to his game. He finished with 96 carries for 515 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns, along with nine receptions for 76 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.
These were the only receiving touchdowns he had during his six year collegiate career. And at Oregon, he also competed with 2022 Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year Demien Martinez, stealing some of the star's carries. So, he was able to make a name for himself despite being second on the depth chart.
While he's older, he comes with a lot of experience and could be good for an early down and red zone threat for the Patriots.
How Deshaun Fenwick can earn a 53-man roster spot
While Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson are clear frontrunners for two of the open spots on the team, it is expected that at least one more will go to a running back.
And so that would make Fenwick's biggest competition Kevin Harris at this moment.
Harris started the 2023 season on the practice squad, but with Stevenson suffering a season-ending injury, he was elevated. He finished with 16 carries for 65 yards and one touchdown across four games.
Harris showed glimpses of what he is capable of towards the end of the year, but if Fenwick can perform above expectation at training camp, the spot can easily go to him.
