**

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. –** The New England Patriots announced today the signing of fourth-round draft pick OL Bryan Stork and sixth-round draft picks OL Jon Halapio and DB Jemea Thomas.

In addition, the Patriots signed rookie free agents CB Malcolm Butler (West Alabama), WR Derrick Johnson (Maine) and LB Taylor McCuller (West Texas A&M).

Terms of the contracts were not announced.

DRAFT CLASS SIGNINGS

Bryan Stork, 23, was selected by the Patriots in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft with the 105th selection overall out of Florida State. It was the first of four fourth-round selections by the Patriots. The 6-foot-4, 300-pounder started in 41-of-51 contests that he appeared in, including each of his final 35 games at center. Stork won the Rimington Trophy in 2013, given to the nation's top center.

Jon Halapio, 22, was selected by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2014 NFL Draft with the 179th overall selection out of Florida. It was the first of three sixth-round selections by the Patriots. The 6-foot-3, 320-pounder appeared in 51 games with 43 starts and was elected a captain twice by his teammates.

Jemea Thomas, 24, was selected by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2014 NFL Draft with the 206th selection overall out of Georgia Tech. It was the third of three 2014 sixth-round selections by the Patriots. The 5-foot-10, 195-pounder played 54 games, tying for the most in Georgia Tech history, and he played every position in the secondary. Thomas finished his career with 234 total tackles ad nine interceptions.

ROOKIE FREE AGENTS

Malcolm Butler, 24, began his college career at Hinds (Miss.) Community College in 2011 before transferring to West Alabama for the 2012 and 2013 seasons. The 5-foot-11, 180-pounder was a first-team All-GSC selection as a junior and senior. Butler led the GSC with 18 passes defensed last season.

Derrick Johnson, 22, tied for the team lead with 60 receptions for 608 yards and two touchdowns in 2013 for Maine. The 5-foot-11, 190-pounder finished his college career with 116 receptions for 1,165 yards and four touchdowns.

Taylor McCuller, 24, played in 38 games with 30 starts and finished with 281 total tackles, four forced fumbles and recovered two fumbles. The 6-foot-2, 240-pounder was granted an extra year of eligibility after suffering an injury in 2009 after redshirting in 2008.