The New England Patriots only had four spots open to sign rookie free agents after the 2023 NFL Draft, and they used one on a player who never hit the league’s radar.

The Patriots signed Appalachian State linebacker/safety Jourdan Heilig as a UDFA this weekend. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound defender played just three defensive snaps in 2022 to go along with his 210 special-teams snaps. Heilig, a three-star recruit in 2019 from Concorn, N.C., played two defensive snaps and 263 special-teams snaps in 2021, 33 defensive snaps and 191 special-teams snaps in 2020 and no defensive snaps and 212 special-teams snaps in 2019.

Heilig originally planned to enter the transfer portal after the 2022 season but instead changed his mind to go pro. He was originally announced as a participant in Appalachian State’s pro day this spring but backed out. He also doesn’t have an agent.

It was extremely difficult to find information about Heilig after the Patriots signed him. He was even listed by DraftScout.com and PFF as a 2024 NFL Draft prospect.

The Patriots were tipped off about Heilig late in the pre-draft process, and their special teams coaches liked his tape, so they brought him on board.

New England has also signed quarterback Malik Cunningham and tight end Johnny Lumpkin as undrafted free agents.

Cunningham played 2,894 offensive snaps over five seasons at Louisville. Lumpkin was on the field for 1,624 offensive snaps. Heilig, meanwhile played 38 career defensive snaps in college.

Featured image via Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports