Patriots Snatch Up Undrafted RB Shane Watts After Impressive Tryout, Cutting Ties with Veteran Prince
The New England Patriots made a surprising move on Tuesday, signing Division II standout running back Shane Watts after just one tryout practice. This bold decision came at the expense of veteran Deneric Prince, who was released by the team.
Watts, who played at West Virginia State University, wasn't on the radar of many NFL scouts leading up to the draft. However, his performance during the brief tryout clearly impressed the Patriots coaching staff enough to warrant a contract offer. This highlights the Patriots' commitment to scouting talent beyond the traditional Division I pipeline and a willingness to take a chance on players who might be overlooked.
While details of Watts' tryout performance haven't been extensively released, the fact that he earned a contract over a veteran like Prince speaks volumes. Prince, who has spent time with several NFL teams, was hoping to compete for a roster spot in New England. His release suggests the Patriots saw something special in Watts that Prince lacked, or perhaps a better fit for their offensive scheme.
Why Shane Watts? Watts' Division II background doesn't diminish his potential. Many successful NFL players have come from smaller schools, proving that talent can emerge from anywhere. His ability to make an immediate impact during a single tryout practice demonstrates a high football IQ, exceptional athleticism, and a strong work ethic. The Patriots are known for developing players, and Watts could be a prime candidate for their system.
What Does This Mean for the Patriots Backfield? The Patriots' running back room is currently a mix of established players and younger contenders. Rhamondre Stevenson remains the clear lead back, but the competition for the backup roles is fierce. Watts will have to fight for every snap, but his tryout performance gives him a significant advantage. He’ll be competing with Ty Montgomery, Kevin Harris, and others to secure a spot on the final roster.
The Bigger Picture: Patriots' Roster Strategy This signing reinforces the Patriots' strategy of building a roster through competition and embracing unconventional talent. They are constantly searching for undervalued players who can contribute to the team's success. Signing Watts is a low-risk, high-reward move that could pay off handsomely if he lives up to the initial promise shown in his tryout. It also sends a message to the rest of the league: the Patriots are always looking for an edge, and they’re not afraid to find it in unexpected places.
The coming weeks of training camp will be crucial for Watts to prove he deserves a spot on the roster. But for now, the Patriots have added a fascinating and intriguing player to their backfield, and fans are eager to see what he can do.