Patriots Rumors: QB Danny Etling Waived; Was Trying to Convert to WR

The New England Patriots waived 2018 seventh-round draft pick Danny Etling, according to ESPN's Field Yates.

Etling was a quarterback throughout his college career at LSU, but Yates noted he was "working at WR this offseason to try to increase his roster chances."

NBC Sports Boston's Phil Perry noted New England cut Etling in order to open up a roster spot for tight end Eric Saubert. The Patriots sent a conditional draft pick to the Atlanta Falcons to land Saubert, per ESPN's Mike Reiss.

The Patriots converted Julian Edelman from a quarterback to wide receiver, but such a transition is rarely successful.

In three years at Kent State, Edelman ran for 2,483 yards and 22 touchdowns. Etling had 70 rushing yards and seven scores between his time at Purdue and LSU. He never finished with more than 128 rushing yards in a single season.

The 6'3", 220-pounder did register an 86-yard touchdown run in a 17-12 victory over the New York Giants in the final week of the 2018 preseason:

In order to continue pursuing an NFL career, Etling might have to stick with his move to receiver.

Bleacher Report's Matt Miller ranked him as the 18th-best quarterback in the 2018 draft class, comparing him to the San Francisco 49ers' C.J. Beathard. 

Perhaps Etling can carve out a role somewhere similar to how the New Orleans Saints use Taysom Hill.