Isaiah

Bolden

Bell was an intriguing receiving tight end in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Patriots also waived RB Micah Bernard, DT Philip Blidi, DB Isaiah Bolden, TE Cole Fotheringham, WR Phil Lutz, LB R.J. Moten, CB Jordan Polk, OG Tyrese Robinson, OG Sidy Sow, RB Shane Watts and QB Ben Wooldridge and released DT Kyle Peko, LB Monty Rice

Bolden has also been cleared to travel home with the Patriots from Green Bay, meaning the worst has been avoided after he was stretchered off the field Saturday evening. One of the final picks of the draft, Bolden is trying to make the Pats as a reserve and special teamer. It is possible he has to begin the year on injured reserve.

Bolden collided with one of his teammates while attempting to tackle a Green Bay receiver in the fourth quarter. He remained motionless on the field before the training staff came to his side. Bolden was eventually taken from the field on a stretcher. Both teams agreed to end the game early after the harrowing injury. A sixth-round rookie from Jackson State, Bolden was getting plenty of run on defense during the season. We’ll update this story as more information comes in.

Bolden, 23, was the only HBCU player drafted in April. The Jackson State corner is famous for his role on Amazon’s Coach Prime, where he won back-to-back SWAC championships under Deion Sanders. Bolden projects as a depth corner and special teams contributor in Year 1 that has size to play outside in New England’s press scheme. The Patriots could get Bolden a look at kick returner after he led the nation in return average (36.9) and tied for the FCS lead with two touchdowns as a junior.

Bolden was an integral part of Jackson State football team’s that won back-to-back SWAC championship under Deion Sanders. He’ll bring experience as a press-man corner on Patriots team where he will get a shot.