Patriots release five, sign thrice that many undrafted free agents

Bill Belichick wasted little time in getting his his offseason roster into shape after the draft.

He started by releasing five players on Monday: wide receiver Jeremy Ebert, fullback Tony Fiammetta, tight end Brad Herman, defensive lineman Tracy Robertson and defensive back Malcolm Williams.

The cuts coincide with a scheduled mini camp for Rookies this weekend in Foxboro which is more of a getting acclimated to the team type of event - a chance for the players to familiarize themselves with the facility and playbook.

Coming out of the 2013 NFL Draft and with Monday's cuts taken into account, the New England Patriots had a projected 17 spots open on the 90 man camp roster, but moved to fill them quickly as the scouting department and Bill Belichick targeted the following players and, though their signings have not been made official, Twitter and Facebook accounts suggest that the deals are done:

 Ryan Allen, P, Louisiana Tech
A two-time Ray Guy award winner as College football's best punter that went undrafted despite being a 5th round projection.  Will provide some competition for Mesko in camp.  His punts usually go very high with a lot of natural hang, causing many fair catches.

Ben Bartholomew, FB, Tennessee
Big Back with not a lot of touches, Bartholomew is such an obscure player that he doesn't register with any scouting agencies.

Kanorris Davis, DB, Troy
A linebacker at Troy and was a second-team selection in the Sun Belt Conference.

Elvis Fisher, OL, Missouri
 Medical red flag, hasn't played at full strength since 2010 but was considered a riser before suffering nagging injuries.

Brandon Ford, TE, Clemson
More of an H-back type and light even for that, but has some pass catching abilities.

Cory Grissom, DL, South Florida
Another medical red flag due to a broken leg a year ago and was a consistent starter who was actually able to return to play the entire season.  Has the size and bulk to make a differnece along the interior.

Quentin Hines, RB, Akron
4.34 speed at an impressive pro day got him a chance.  Has size at 5-11, 194 pounds.

Brandon Jones, DB, Rutgers
Another Rutgers' defensive back, Jones is six-feet, 191-pounds.  Very quick but slightly built.

Josh Kline, G, Kent State
Small college kid with a shot to back up the line if he impresses like he did at his pro day.The 6-3, 310.

Christopher McDonald, G, Michigan State
A three year starter at Michigan State, Christopher is the kid brother of Patriots' Guard Nick McDonald.  Slightly built at 6' 5", 300 pounds and quick, he has a shot.

T.J. Moe, WR, Missouri
Returned Kicks and showed some 2 and 3 capabilities.  Built like a running back and is more quick than fast.

Stephon Morris, CB, Penn State
Tiny speed merchant with some cover strengths.  Will compete but too small for the perimeter.  Could find a niche.

Zach Sudfeld, TE, Nevada
Huge target at 6' 7", one of my choices for the undrafted free agent that makes the roster beating out Daniel Fells.  Very good receiver with 4.7 speed.

Kenbrell Thompkins, WR, Cincinnati
A 6-1, 193-lbs specimen that was also a juvenile delinquent in his free time as a youngster.

Matt Stankiewitch, C, Penn State
A first-team All-Big Ten selection, the 6-3, 302-pounder is my other choice for having a shot at sticking on the roster.  Tough kid.is

There will be much more forthcoming regarding player movement, which will get much heavier the closer we get to camp.