The Patriots have had pretty good luck with converting college quarterbacks, as Julian Edelman has proven to be a valuable part for them.
So why not try it again, with someone bigger and stronger.
According to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald, the Patriots have signed undrafted Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner, with plans to make him a wide receiver.
Unlike Edelman, Gardner has legitimate NFL size, at 6-foot-4, 216 pounds. Of course, he’s also slow-ish, running a 4.65 40, which will make it harder.
But Gardner also has that leadership/work ethic vibe the Patriots dig on, so they might be able to find a role for him.
Michigan used Gardner as a receiver in 2012, but he settled in at quarterback for the Wolverines, the last two seasons.
Now he’ll get to catch passes from another Michigan man, while learning to convert from a Kent State quarterback who did pretty well with it.