The Patriots signed their sixth new draft pick on Thursday, locking up third-rounder Brandon Tate with a four-year deal with a $755,000 signing bonus.
Boston.com’s Mike Reiss reports that he is the first of New England’s two third-round picks to sign with the team.
Tate spent four years as a wide receiver and kickoff returner at North Carolina, where he set an NCAA record for combined kickoff and return yardage (3,523). However, he dropped on draft day because of a torn ACL and MCL, which kept him out of the final seven games of his senior season. He also reportedly tested positive for marijuana at the NFL Combine.
Tate tallied 16 receptions for 376 yards in six games in 2008.
In Chapel Hill, Tate set records in career kickoff and punt returns for scores (six) and combined kickoff and punt touchdowns in a single season (three).
WEEI.com reports that New England is also close to signing a deal with second-round pick and Boston College product Ron Brace. The Patriots selected the defensive tackle with the 40th overall pick in the draft, and a source indicates that his four-year deal will be similar to the one awarded to fellow second-rounder Darius Butler.
Butler’s deal will pay him $4.275 million, with $2.06 million guaranteed.
A source also tells WEEI.com that seventh-rounder Julian Edelman has agreed to a four-year deal with the team after being selected with the 232nd pick in the draft. The Kent State quarterback could be used as a wide receiver and return specialist.
