Patriots sign former five-star recruit
The New England Patriots are taking a quiet swing at a former five-star recruit. New England announced that it signed defensive tackle Travis Shaw as a rookie free agent. The Patriots also released long snapper Niko Lalos to make room on the offseason NFL roster.
On paper, this is a minor May transaction. But Shaw’s background makes it more interesting than a typical roster move. MORE: Skip Bayless ranks his top 12 NFL quarterbacks of all-time Nov 16, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive lineman Travis Shaw (4) reacts in the third quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images Five Star Prospect Shaw was once a major recruiting name, a five-star prospect with the size and profile of a future NFL defensive lineman. His college production never fully matched that hype, which is why he went undrafted. But the Patriots are now giving him a chance to turn physical tools into a roster push.
Shaw played at North Carolina before transferring to Texas. Across 50 college games, he totaled 68 tackles, 6. 5 tackles for loss, four pass deflections, and two fumble recoveries.
He started just one game, so this is not a signing based on dominant college tape. It is a bet on size, pedigree, and developmental upside. Nov 30, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive lineman Travis Shaw (4) reacts in the fourth quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium.