First Timers

The NFL is becoming a younger league. The terms of player contracts and the physicality of the game makes careers shorter.

The Pats are not afraid to have rookies play. They lead the league with 14 on their roster and 7 undrafted ones.

Around the league, there are 264 rookies on rosters, an average of 8.25 per team. There are also 69 undrafted ones with 2.2 per squad.

The Pats have found some great undrafted players over the years. How did they slip by? Now, they have Danny Amendola, Tom Kelly, Dan Connolly and Kyle Arrington who all play a vital role.

Wes Welker was never drafted. There are Hall of Fame members who never heard their named call on draft day.

I have no big concerns over having so many rookies on the Pats roster. There is a good blend of veteran experience.