Meet the Newest New England Patriot: Ochaun Mathis

The New England Patriots announced the signings of two more players to the practice squad on Friday. New England brought back Isaiah Bolden. The cornerback made the initial 53-man roster. New England released him on Wednesday to help make room for the Patriots four waiver claim additions. New England brought a new face to Foxboro as well, signing linebacker Ochaun Mathis to the practice squad.

The Los Angeles Rams selected Mathis in the sixth round (No. 189 overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft. He went two picks after the Patriots took Kayshon Boutte and three selections before New England nabbed punter Bryce Baringer. Mathis began his college career with TCU (2018-2021) before transferring to Nebraska for his final season in 2022. He played 50 collegiate games, amassing 183 tackles (101 solo), including 35.5 tackles for a loss and 19.0 sacks.

Scouts always use descriptive terms to paint an accurate picture of prospects’ tools/skill-sets and one word that sums up TCU➡️Nebraska transfer Ochaun Mathis’ sack reel is “abusive”. @OchaunDevon is the most physical finisher at the QB we’ve seen draft cycle. 👿#BestoftheBest pic.twitter.com/i26JYGsdYc

— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) August 13, 2022

Mathis made the Rams’ initial 53-man roster but was placed on injured reserve afterward. He injured his knee during camp. The IR designation forced him to miss the start of the season. Mathis appeared in eight games as a rookie in 2023. He played only 93 snaps (74 on defense and 19 on special teams). Mathis recorded two tackles and a quarterback hit in his limited action.

Also Read – Meet the Four New England Patriots Waiver Claims

Ochane Mathis played in all three of the Rams preseason games in 2024. He registered two tackles, two stops, and two quarterback pressures in his 64 defensive snaps. Mathis received a defensive grade of 71.1 from Pro Football Focus for his preseason performance. He is the fourth player to sign with the Patriots practice squad who was not with the team in training camp.

Isaiah Bolden’s signing with the practice squad was expected once he cleared waivers. The second-year cornerback was seen at New England’s facilities in Foxboro the day after being cut but had to wait to pass through waivers to officially rejoin the team. Once that happened, Bolden made his return known on his X account.

The guys ! We back pic.twitter.com/QaH8AqK6bR

— I.B (@isaiahbolden23) August 29, 2024

With the additions of Isaiah Bolden and Ochaun Mathis to the practice squad, the New England Patriots only have two open spots remaining. A veteran quarterback, such as P.J. Walker, will likely take one of the openings. Recent roster cuts such as linebacker Joe Giles-Harris and cornerback Shaun Wade remain possibilities as well. Stay tuned.