FOXBORO, Mass. — New England Patriots sixth-round draft pick Matthew Wells had a more difficult path to the NFL than most prospects.

The Mississippi State linebacker said Saturday during a conference call with the media he is legally blind in his right eye. Wells is 80-percent blind in one eye, ESPN.com SEC reporter Alex Scarborough wrote in November.

The Patriots spent the 178th overall pick on Wells, who ran a 4.43-second 40-yard dash at his Mississippi State pro day. He tallied 165 tackles in his four-year career with the Bulldogs with six sacks, one interception, 14 passes defended and three forced fumbles.

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