Kevin O'Connell (Quarterback)*

Just prior to being drafted, San Diego sports writer Nick Canepa described O'Connell as having: "all the equipment needed to fit in the modern NFL quarterback toolbox. He's 6-feet-6 and weighs 235 pounds. As Don Coryell often said, 'he runs like a deer.' He has plenty of arm. He's smart. He comes from a great background. He has a wonderful personality. He's a leader."

At the 2008 NFL Combine, O'Connell ran the 40-yard dash in 4.61 seconds; only University of San Diego quarterback Josh Johnson had a faster time.

The New England Patriots selected O'Connell with their third pick (94th overall) of the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft, the highest pick the Patriots have used on a quarterback since they drafted Drew Bledsoe first overall in 1993.

O'Connell rushed for a touchdown in the 2008 preseason against the New York Giants in the fourth quarter, in a game the Patriots eventually lost 19-14. He made his NFL debut on September 21, 2008 in the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins, throwing his first four career passes and completing three.

O'Connell was waived by the Patriots on August 30, 2009, two days after a preseason game in which starting quarterback Tom Brady was injured, and, in the second half, O'Connell threw two interceptions. The Patriots gave no explanation for releasing O'Connell, who was in competition with veteran quarterback Andrew Walter, signed after his release from the Oakland Raiders, and undrafted free agent rookie Brian Hoyer of Michigan State.

O'Connell was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Lions on September 1, 2009.

*Represented by Vance Larimer in conjunction with LLM Sports