NEW YORK — The New England Patriots added an undersized defensive back in the sixth round of the 2014 NFL draft.
The Patriots drafted Georgia Tech’s Jemea Thomas No. 206 overall Saturday. Thomas also played safety at Georgia Tech, where he was a four-year starter.
Thomas was productive during his four-year college career, recording 13.5 tackles for loss, six sacks and nine interceptions. Thomas also was used as a returner and in special-teams coverage units.
Thomas ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine and had a 10-foot-4 broad jump and 37-inch vertical leap. He ran a 7.03-second three-cone and 4.25-second short shuttle at his pro day in March.
The 5-foot-9, 192-pound defensive back is an option for the fifth cornerback spot on the Patriots’ roster until Brandon Browner returns from a four-game suspension to begin the 2014 season. Thomas likely will compete with 2013 undrafted free agent Justin Green for a roster spot.
