This Undrafted Free Agent is Guaranteed to Make the New England Patriots

The New England Patriots have reliably been one of the best teams in football when it comes to finding gems on the undrafted free agent market and turning them into contributors.

One promising player that managed to go 255 selections without getting picked, yet could still co tribute for Bill Belichick, is former Arizona running back JJ Taylor, a 5-foot-5 speedster that piled up 2,500 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns under Kevin Sumlin.

When you have the fifth-smallest hands at the NFL Combine and you're shorter than Darren Sproles, critics aren't exactly banging down the door to sign you. However, if one looks past his size and looks at the film, Taylor's strengths as a runner really start to shine.

For a smaller back -- he does weigh 180 pounds, to his credit -- Taylor has shown a willingness to lower his shoulder to pick up extra yards. That drive paired with excellent acceleration in the open field, plus long speed, and experience as a receiver in college make him ideal for backing up James White as the pass-catching running back.

Taylor's size might have prevented him from getting drafted, but he has the shiftiness and quickness to carve out a role for himself on the Patriots roster. Don't be surprised if he gets playing time should White get injured and Josh McDaniels needs an explosive back.