Patriots Sign 3 Draft Picks, 3 Free Agents to Rookie Contracts; Christian Gonzalez Update?

The New England Patriots have officially secured the services of eight members of their 2023 NFL Draft Class … with first-rounder Christian Gonzalez among those yet to be signed.

FOXBORO — The New England Patriots continue to officially add members of their 2023 NFL Draft class into the Foxboro fold. 

As Patriots rookies arrived Gillette Stadium on Friday for the start of rookie minicamp, the team put the finishing touches on the rookie contracts of fourth-round offensive guard Sidy Sow, sixth-round cornerback Ameer Speed and seventh-round cornerback/specialist Isaiah Bolden.

In addition, the Patriots announced the signing of three undrafted rookie free agents: quarterback Malik Cunningham, linebacker Jourdan Heilig and tight end Johnny Lumpkin.

Though financial contract terms have yet to be confirmed, Patriots salary cap expert Miguel Benzan has estimated the team’s salary cap availability to be approximately $11.5 million, - a $254,783 decrease from his previous report. 

At 6-5 and 330 pounds, Sow played all 13 games for the Eagles last season en route to his First Team All-MAC nod in 2022. Sow is a big-framed guard, with a strong lower half. He plays with a great deal of strength and it was evident in the run game, where he put defenders in the dirt often. Sow is able to drive defenders backward when he plays low on man blocking concepts. An experienced player, Sow has very good football IQ. His ability to handle stunts and twists gives him the chance to make a strong push for a swing guard position, with the versatility to align at tackle, as well.

Speed, a former member of the national championship-winning Georgia Bulldogs, transferred to Michigan State prior to the 2022 season. With his combination of height (6-3) and speed (4.33 40-yard dash), the ex-Spartan has the chance to earn a roster spot as a reserve cornerback — provided he has an outstanding training camp. Speed’s best chance seeing the field in his rookie season may come on special teams, where he was credited with taking over 500 snaps during his time at Georgia. Though he has potential, New England’s logjam at cornerback makes it fair to question whether they may have been best served by adding depth at their offensive skill positions.

Bolden projects as both a depth corner and a special teams contributor. The 6-1, 193-pound defensive back began his college career at Florida State. Though he decided to redshirt his first season, he played in all thirteen games as a freshman; earning nine tackles and one interception. He also contributed on special teams by serving as a kickoff returner. Bolden transferred to Jackson State University for his junior season, in which he played in 10 games, totaling eight tackles. He was a dominant kickoff returner, averaging 36.9 yards per return, two of which were returned for touchdowns. During his senior season, he played in 13 games, totaling 44 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and one fumble recovery. Bolden has a true shot at earning a 53-man roster spot. As a result, his selection at No. 245 makes him one of New England’s best-value selections in 2023. 

Cunningham spent five seasons at Louisville and finished his career ranked fourth with 9,664 passing yards and fifth with 70 touchdowns in 56 games with 47 starts. The 24-year-old also 3,184 rushing yards and tied a school record with 50 rushing touchdowns.

Heilig played four seasons at Appalachian State as a linebacker. The 22-year-old played in 51 games and finished with 34 totals tackles on defense.

Lumpkin began his career at Hutchinson Community College for two seasons before transferring to Louisiana for his five college seasons. The 6-5, 264-pounder played in 51 games with 42 starts and finished his career with 36 receptions for 408 yards and six touchdowns.

New England has now signed two-thirds of its Draft class, with fellow selections Chad Ryland, Bryce Baringer, Kayshon Boutte, Atonio Mafi and Demario Douglas having agreed to their deals prior to the start of Friday’s camp. 

First-round cornerback Christian Gonzalez joins second-round defensive end Keion White, third-round linebacker Marte Mapu and fourth-round center Jake Andrews as New England’s unsigned rookies. 

The Patriots will continue rookie minicamp on Saturday, with the final day of activities coming on Sunday, May 14. 

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