This is a good opportunity for Brandon Bolden. New England has a recent history of developing a free agent back, Ole Miss' own BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Plus, Bolden's a very versatile player who thrives in a strong passing game, which should be a good fit for a guy like Tom Brady, who will make a number of reads before finding an open receiver.

- PA

From media relations

OXFORD – Two more Ole Miss Rebels have joined draft pick Bobby Massie as NFL rookies, as Brandon Bolden and Bradley Sowell have officially signed free-agent contracts with New England and Tampa Bay, respectively.

A running back from Baton Rouge, La., Bolden finished his Rebel career ranked second in school history in both total (33) and rushing touchdowns (27), third in all-purpose yards (3,681) and fourth in rushing yards (2,604). His best season came in 2010 when he tied the school single-season records for TDs scored (17) and rushing TDs (14) en route to All-SEC honors.

Sowell was a two-time all-conference tackle on the Ole Miss offensive line. The Hernando, native started 36 of his final 37 games and blocked for 17 individual 100-yard rushing performances, including a pair of 200-yard outbursts.