The Patriots got two more draft picks under contract on Friday and both of them are linebackers.
Second-round pick Jamie Collins and seventh-round selection Steve Beauharnais have both reached agreement on their four-year rookie deals. The team announced the signings, which leave the team with three unsigned picks from their seven-man draft class.
Collins started his career at Southern Mississippi as a safety before bulking up for a move to defensive end, but he’ll be starting his Patriots career as a linebacker. Coach Bill Belichick said that Collins will get looks at other spots as well. Wherever he lines up, the Pats will be looking to Collins for help rushing the passer.
Beauharnais was one of three Patriots draft picks who played at Rutgers in college. He started 42 games in college, most of them at middle linebacker, but his first role with New England is likely to be as a special teamer.
Cornerback Logan Ryan and safety Duron Harmon, the other Rutgers alums in the draft class, have also signed their contracts with New England.
