Washington State quarterback Jeff Tuel went through a private workout with the New England Patriots in Pullman, Washington on Friday, and as we balance free-agent activity and draft preparations, the workout is a good time to highlight the depth of the scouting process.

No stone seems to go unturned. That the Patriots would devote resources to take a closer look at Tuel reflects this.

Tuel wasn't invited to the NFL combine, nor was he part of the Senior Bowl or East-West Game. He did play in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, going 8 for 8, and some believe that was the springboard to more NFL teams, such as the Patriots, taking notice.

Tuel, who holds the Washington State record for completion percentage (61.4), is probably going to wind up as a later-round draft choice or free agent. The Bills are one team that has taken steps to get to know him better, reportedly scheduling a visit for him to come to Orchard Park, New York.

The Patriots' workout with Tuel is likely a result of them wanting more information to complete his file. Sometimes a workout leads a team away from a player, other times it sparks more interest.

Tuel is one of a bunch of players the Patriots will work out before the draft, reflecting how thorough the process is, from Pullman, Washington to Bangor, Maine.