Vanderbilt's Vince Taylor signs with Patriots

Vanderbilt defensive lineman Vince Taylor signed an undrafted free agent contract with the New England Patriots on Monday afternoon.

Taylor, who had earlier accepted a non-contracted invitation to attend Oakland Raiders mini-camp, changed course by inking with the Patriots, the team that flew to Nashville to work him out the week before the draft.

Taylor confirmed his signing via text message. He will arrive in Foxborough, Mass., on Thursday to prepare for mini-camp.

Taylor, a 6-foot-1, 307-pounder, has played nose tackle in a 3-4 scheme and defensive tackle in a 4-3 alignment. He could do both for the Patriots, who utilize both 3-man and 4-man fronts.

Last season, Taylor led Vanderbilt interior defensive linemen with 43 tackles and a team-high two fumble recoveries. He finished his career with 87 tackles in 50 games, including 22 starts over the past two seasons.

Reach Adam Sparks at 615-259-8010 and on Twitter @AdamSparks.