The Patriots third of four sixth-round picks took the team to Central Connecticut State University, vice president of player personnel Scott Pioli’s alma mater, for productive running back Justise Hairston (6-0, 221). The Northeast Conference Player of the Year set single-season school and conference records with 277 carries for 1,847 yards with 20 touchdowns.

He may take some time to develop, but Hairston has the build of an NFL bruiser. And it can’t hurt to have Pioli in your corner when it comes time for cuts, roster spots, practice squads and sticking around. At worst he’ll probably look good in the preseason and gives a local angle to training camp.