Bill Belichick

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick on the field during an NFL football training camp practice Saturday, July 30, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

(Michael Dwyer)

Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots will be evaluating all types of talent at this weekend's rookie minicamp.

Among the invitees: former Australian rugby player Brock Davies, who recently excelled on the football field at Division II Colorado State University-Pueblo.

ESPN's Mike Reiss reported the story Friday morning.

Beginning at age 19, Davies played professional rugby in France and England for three years. He came to the United States to focus on eduction and football. He rose from walk-on to team captain in college, Reiss noted. Davies likely projects as a linebacker or fullback in the NFL.

The day before the NFL Draft, Davies flew himself to Dallas and showed up at the Cowboys facility in hopes of scoring a workout, Reiss said.

His wish was not granted, but his agent later placed a call to Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio. The Pats had been on hand at his regional pro day.

The Patriots have found talent in unconventional places in the past. Perhaps they figure there's no harm in giving Davies a shot over the weekend.

The rookie minicamp will be comprised of the team's four drafted players, nearly 20 undrafted free agents, and a handful of tryouts.

Every so often, a player on a tryout impresses and leaves a mark. Malcolm Butler was invited to camp as a tryout-only player in 2014, and he parlayed that opportunity into a spot on the 90-man roster, and then a spot on the 53-man roster.