Find out who New England is taking a close look at in the pre-draft process.
Draft season is in full swing, which means that the New England Patriots will be busy doing interviews, working out NFL prospects or inviting them for one of 30 pre-draft visits over the next two months. And with the scouting combine taking place this week, expect plenty of meetings to be reported.
Make sure therefore to check out our interview and meetings tracker regularly to find out who the world champions have already spoken to or worked out with to the best of our knowledge:
Senior Bowl
DE Jalen Jelks, Oregon (6060, 245 lbs): His quickness and length in combination with a high football IQ helped Jelks become an All-Pac 12 selection in his 2018 senior season. Finishing the year with 57 tackles and 3.5 sacks, the part-time team captain proved himself a disruptive player in the passing game and a stout defender versus the run. (via Ken Goe)
OT Dalton Risner, Kansas State (6048, 312 lbs): One of the best offensive tackle prospects in the draft, Risner has been outstanding as a pass protector and run blocker in college. Offering plenty of core strength and agility, the 23-year old projects to be a quality tackle at the next level — despite his comparatively smaller frame and a need to refine his footwork. (via Evan Lazar)
QB Tyree Jackson, Buffalo (6070, 249 lbs): The Buffalo product has possibly the strongest arm of all the quarterbacks in this year’s draft, and knows how to use it: Jackson throws with velocity and zip, and is generally an impressively athlete due to his size and strength. The major questions about him relate to his lack of experience as a starter and his inconsistent technique. (via Henry McKenna)
QB Will Grier, West Virginia (6021, 217 lbs): Grier is considered one of the top quarterback prospects in the draft. While he had a tough Senior Bowl, he’s stood out as one of the best quarterbacks in the country over the past two seasons and would fit in nicely as a day two selection. (via Evan Lazar)
WR Hunter Renfrow, Clemson (5101, 184 lbs): Renfrow has been mock drafted to the Patriots ever since his title game performance against Alabama and he would definitely fit in nicely as a slot receiver. Renfrow started his career as a walk-on, eventually being named the “top walk-on in the country” as a senior. (via Phil Perry)
WR Andy Isabella, Massachusetts (5087, 188 lbs): Isabella might be small, but he’s been the most productive receiver in college football. He’s faster than anyone else on the field and can play inside and outside. (via Henry McKenna)
WR Terry McLaurin, Ohio State (6001, 208 lbs): A two-time captain and key special teams player, McLaurin hasn’t missed a game in four seasons. While not the most productive receiver, McLaurin could fit a nice role in the Patriots offense. (via Evan Lazar)
NFL Combine
OT Greg Little, Ole Miss (6053, 310 lbs): While he is a raw offensive tackle prospect due to his footwork and run-blocking technique, Little has the athletic skill set to become a starter at the next level: his quickness in combination with his size are outstanding, and could — in combination with the right coaching — help him live up to his potential. (via Kevin Duffy)
OT Tytus Howard, Alabama State (6050, 322 lbs): Playing tight end in high school, Howard is a nimble player for his size and weight that needs to improve his footwork at the next level and learn to play off his length. That being said, he offers a solid foundation as a developmental offensive tackle. (via Evan Lazar)
RB Trayveon Williams, Texas A&M (5081, 206 lbs): Despite being a comparatively small player, Williams is experienced as both a ball carrier and a receiving option in the passing game. Bringing solid burst and pass-blocking ability to the table, the 21-year old should improve with more experience — especially when it comes to reading plays correctly. (via Evan Lazar)
RB Miles Sanders, Penn State (5106, 211 lbs): A long-time backup behind 2018 first-round pick Saquon Barkley, Sanders has sufficient burst and quickness to develop into rotational running back at the next level. And even though he lacks Barkley’s qualities as a pass catcher, the 21-year old could develop into a receiving option as well. (via Henry McKenna)
RB James Williams, Washington State (5095, 197 lbs): Williams was utilized as a versatile option out of the backfield and finished the 2018 season with 83 catches for 613 yards and four touchdowns as well as 122 rushing attempts for 560 yards and twelve scores. Bringing great ball skills, short-area quickness and burst to the table, he could turn into productive receiving back at the next level. (via Henry McKenna)
RB Tony Pollard, Memphis (5116, 210 lbs): A versatile weapon out of the backfield, Pollard gained 1,010 yards on 117 touches during his 2018 redshirt junior season and also scored nine touchdowns. While the former wide receiver remains a work in progress as a ball carrier, he can serve as a plug-and-play option in the return game. (via Ryan Hannable)
WR Greg Dortch, Wake Forest (5071, 173 lbs): An immensely productive player at Wake Forest despite his smaller stature, Dortch registered 89 catches for 1,078 yards and eight touchdowns in 2018 — all while also returning punts and kicks for the team. At the next level, he projects to serve as a returnman and slot receiver. (via Evan Lazar)
WR Riley Ridley, Georgia (6011, 199 lbs): Ridley comes from the same school as Malcolm Mitchell and should also be able to pick up the New England offense relatively easily (compared to others). Ridley is the best route runner in the draft and is experienced with the Patriots’ option routes. Ridley scored 9 touchdowns in a run-first offense. (via Zack Cox)
WR Deebo Samuel, South Carolina (5114, 216 lbs): Samuel was a do-it-all player in college, producing as a receiver, rusher, and returnman, collecting 2,230 yards from scrimmage and scoring 23 touchdowns over 30 games. He’d be a nice addition to the Patriots offense. (via Zack Cox)
WR J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, Stanford (6020, 225 lbs): Arcega-Whiteside is the premier jump-ball receiver in the draft, with 23 receiving touchdowns over the past two seasons. The Patriots struggled in the red zone at times in 2018 and a big time scorer would be a welcome addition. (via Zack Cox)
WR Marquise Brown, Oklahoma (5093, 166 lbs): “Hollywood” Brown suffered a foot injury in the season finale and required surgery. He racked up a ridiculous 1,318 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns this past season and is considered a first round pick. (via Zack Cox)
WR Stanley Morgan Jr., Nebraska (6000, 202 lbs): Morgan is considered a late round pick, but was very productive in college. He picked up 1,96 yards from scrimmage and scored 17 touchdowns over the past two seasons. No relation to the Patriots’ great. (via Evan Lazar)
TE Kahale Warring, San Diego State (6051, 252 lbs): Warring is an unpolished player who didn’t start football until his senior year of high school. He’s gained 620 yards and 6 receiving touchdowns over the past two seasons and would be a major project. (via Zack Cox)
TE Noah Fant, Iowa (6041, 249 lbs): Fant is considered one of the top tight ends in the draft, but is viewed as more of a receiving tight end compared to an all-around player. Still, he’d be an excellent addition to the Patriots and Iowa tight ends have a terrific track record. (via Phil Perry)
TE Tommy Sweeney, Boston College (6045, 251 lbs): Sweeney is an every-down player for Boston College and offers upside as a receiver, collecting 1,281 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns over the past four seasons in a run-first offense. He could be a solid #2 tight end in the NFL. (via Zack Cox)
TE Caleb Wilson, UCLA (6041, 240 lbs): Wilson picked up 969 yards from scrimmage this past season, but only scored 4 touchdowns. He’s a big receiving threat and is a fine enough blocker. He’ll definitely have to add some size at the next level, but so do most tight ends in this class. (via Ryan Hannable)
TE Jace Sternberger, Texas A&M (6040, 251 lbs): Sternberger picked up 836 yards and scored 10 touchdowns in his first season with Texas A&M. He’s a lot of potential at this point and would be a definite project player. (via Ryan Hannable)
TE Irv Smith, Alabama (6023, 242 lbs): Smith collected 710 yards and scored 7 touchdowns this season. His father was a first round pick in 1993. If Nick Saban can vouch for Smith, then the Patriots should absolutely try to bring him into the fold. (via Zack Cox)
TE Isaac Nauta, Georgia (6031, 244 lbs): Nauta is smaller than most tight ends, and only picked up 461 receiving yards this past year, but he’s a capable blocker and could be a solid second option in the NFL. (via Evan Lazar)
TE Kaden Smith, Stanford (6050, 255 lbs): Smith comes from a long line of productive receiving tight ends from Stanford and collected 1,049 yards and 7 touchdowns over 20 games. He offers great size, but has to develop his blocking. (via Evan Lazar)
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