Patriots sign scatback Trey Williams, place Trey Flowers on IR

It was a busy Tuesday at One Patriot Place. In addition to signing receiver/return specialist Damaris Johnson, they also claimed rookie running back Trey Williams off of waivers, while placing defensive end Trey Flowers on season-ending IR and re-signing receiver Austin Hill to their practice squad.

Williams was signed by the Redskins after going undrafted out of Texas A&M in this spring's draft. He flashed enough in the preseason to land on their practice squad, where he remained until getting signed to the Cowboys roster on November 4th. He was inactive for all four games as a Cowboy before getting waived yesterday. The Patriots landed him via a waiver claim, and created a roster spot for him by placing Flowers, a fourth round pick from this spring, on season-ending IR.

At 5'7" and 195 pounds, Williams lacks prototype size but boasts explosive speed and "make you miss" quickness. He was a big play waiting to happen in college, and adds additional value as a kick return option. These highlights from his last NFL action (preseason) will certainly bring to mind Dion Lewis, who translated his similar physical skillset into major production during his healthy time this year.





Flowers also flashed in the preseason, but was active just one time in his injury-shortened rookie season (a lack of special teams value didn't help his cause). He'll compete for a role in a crowded group of pass rushers next season.

At 6'3" and 212 pounds, Hill adds size to the Patriots depleted receiver depth chart. A former Biletnikoff award finalist at Arizona, Hill has struggled to regain that superstar form since missing all of 2013 with a knee injury. Surprisingly for a receiver his size, he is most comfortable playing out of the slot.