Patriots Signing Auburn's Nick Coe Could Be Steal of the UDFA Market
By Andrew Gullotta
Surprisingly, teams passed on Auburn product Nick Coe throughout the draft this weekend. As a result, he hit the undrafted free agent market, where teams flocked to sign the edge rusher.
Coe ended up choosing one of the best organizations in the NFL in the New England Patriots. This decision is no doubt a great one for Coe, as New England has shown in the past that they can develop UDFAs, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
But even more so, this can be a tremendous steal for Bill Belichick.
Patriots UFA’s I think could make the 53 when it’s all said and done -
— Jamie Stevens (@_jarost_) April 26, 2020
Bill Murray DT
Nick Coe DE
De’Jon Harris LB
Nick Coe has the most upside, but had issues at Auburn. If BB can tap into his potential he has a real player on his hands. #PatsDraft #PatsNation
Coe has great potential if he can land the correct role with the Patriots. Scouts raved about his versatility, great physical traits, and strong hand technique throughout the draft process.
Not only that, but this guy had nine sacks and 18 tackles for a loss in his first two seasons with Auburn in a stacked SEC. Let's not forget the Tigers typically churn out first-round defensive line talent, so it's possible Coe fell a bit out of favor with the coaching staff due to the standout performances from Derrick Brown, Tyrone Truesdell, Big Kat Bryant and Marlon Davidson.
The Patriots have signed free agent edge rusher Nick Coe from Auburn.
— Jordan Moore (@iJordanMoore) April 26, 2020
Notes on Coe:
- Very good pass rushing skills, great speed for his size
- Ability to adapt in game, able to read offensive play tendencies very well pic.twitter.com/fU29lDINqv
Coe's quiet 2019 season with Auburn could end up being a blessing in disguise because now he'll be under the tutelage of one of the greatest defensive minds in football history.