Ben Bartholomew Signs With The New England Patriots

August 31, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tennessee Volunteers fullback Ben Bartholomew (39) reaches for extra yardage after a catch in the second half against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at the Georgia Dome. Tennessee beat NC State 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Former Tennessee Volunteer Ben Bartholomew went undrafted this weekend, but he didn’t have to wait long to find a team. The versatile fullback was one of 16 undrafted free agents that were scooped up by the New England Patriots.

Bartholomew is an extremely versatile player that can play at fullback as a lead blocker, or line up at tight end and be effective in the passing game. Bartholomew didn’t put up big numbers during his time at Tennessee, but with the Volunteer’s surplus of offensive contributors, there just weren’t enough stats to go around.

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick seems to love guys that play with a chip on their shoulder. Bartholomew should be no exception. The former Vol was one of the hardest working players on the team during his time in Knoxville and I’d fully expect to see him make the final 53 man roster for the Patriots.

If Bartholomew makes the team he should be an immediate factor on special teams and could see the field as a blocking tight end in jumbo packages. I wouldn’t expect to see him involved in the passing game much, considering the Patriots boast two of the best tight ends in the game with Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.

Overall Bartholomew is a great pickup by the Patriots as an undrafted free agent.