The undrafted free agent safety secured a spot on the Patriots’ 53-man roster, making him the only UDFA to achieve this in 2024.
Dell Pettus has done it.
For many years, the Patriots maintained a streak where one or more undrafted free agents made the roster at the end of training camp. However, that streak ended after 19 years, just as the 2023 season marked Bill Belichick’s final year as the Patriots’ head coach.
Yet, when one streak ends, another begins.
Jerod Mayo, speaking to the media on Friday, emphasized the significance of UDFAs making the roster. He pointed out that it shows players they will always have a fair chance with the Patriots.
“I always tell those guys they all were on teams in college where a five-star or four-star recruit would come in and everyone’s like, ‘Ooh,’ but they’re trash,” Mayo explained. “Then you have that one-star player who actually makes the team.”
Mayo continued, “I think it’s important, and once again, going back to competition and going back to [how] my job is to put the best player on the field no matter where you drafted them. So, that’s kind of how I think about it.”
Throughout training camp, Pettus’ name consistently stood out.
The 5-foot-11, 200-pound defensive back played five seasons at Troy, where he started 61 consecutive games. He finished his college career with 303 total tackles, 13 passes defended, one sack, one interception, and one return touchdown.
“He’s done a fantastic job,” Mayo said. “There’s been a lot of conversation around him, but he’s done a fantastic job up until this point.”
Mayo also noted the importance of players like Pettus realizing they can compete at this level. “There’s always this imposter syndrome where, ‘Am I good enough, or am I not good enough?’” Mayo said. “For a guy like Dell Pettus, for example, to go out and make those plays just continues to boost his confidence.”
Dell Pettus is a player determined to make a football team, and he certainly did enough during the preseason to earn his spot. The Patriots coaching staff rewarded his efforts accordingly.
