The Patriots have signed LB Brandon Spikes, leaving them with only one unsigned draft pick.

Only first-round CB Devin McCourty has yet to sign a contract, though the two sides appeared to be close to a deal.

The 62nd overall selection, Spikes started 39 of 47 games at Florida and set a school record with four interceptions returned for touchdowns, becoming only the third linebacker in NCAA history since 1966 to finish his career with four INT returns for scores. Spikes finished his collegiate career with 307 tackles, 6½ sacks, 14 passes defended and six interceptions.

Spikes is expected to compete with Gary Guyton for a starting job opposite Jerod Mayo at inside linebacker.

In PFW's 2010 Draft Preview, personnel expert Nolan Nawrocki wrote that Spikes is "a better football player than athlete … a physical, high-motor linebacker in the mold of Bryan Cox with an intense, on-field presence and superb instincts."

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