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 a finite number of pre-draft visits. While the process itself will look markedly different than in years past due to the Coronavirus pandemic — the Scouting Combine was canceled, for example, and Pro Days will have increased value — there will be plenty of news to report up until late April.
Make sure, therefore, to bookmark our interview and meetings tracker to find out who the Patriots have already spoken to or worked out with to the best of our knowledge.
QB Mac Jones, Alabama (6025, 217 lbs): One of the best quarterback prospects in this year’s class, Jones may not be the best athlete the position has to offer but has proven himself a capable pocket passer at Alabama. A potential first-round draft pick, his success in college and the natural connection between the Crimson Tide and the Patriots make him a prime New England target with one of its early-round selections. (via Jim McBride)
QB Jamie Newman, Wake Forest (6027, 235 lbs): Newman sat out the 2020 season after transferring from Wake Forest to Georgia, but he is still a viable mid-round passer for a team willing to invest time in him. The 23-year-old has all the tools to develop into a dual-threat starting QB at the next level, but he needs to be refined as a passer. (via Jim McBride)
DE Jonathon Cooper, Ohio State (6028, 254 lbs): While not the most explosive athlete, Cooper has the tools to develop into a solid rotational pass rusher at the next level due to his high motor and solid technical foundation. After redshirting in 2019 due to an ankle injury, he registered 2.5 sacks as a fifth-year senior the following season. (via Justin Melo)
Virtual interviews
TE Kenny Yeboah, Ole Miss (6040, 247 lbs): A potential late-round draft pick, Yeboah offers upside as a versatile receiving tight end. While not the best blocker, he can be a solid matchup weapon that has the size and run-after-the-catch ability to find situational success. (via Justin Melo)
DT Tommy Togiai, Ohio State (6020, 300 lbs): Togiai is a big-bodied player who should help on early downs and has upside in a two-gap scheme like the one run by New England. While his upside as a pass rusher is limited, his solid technique and surprising quickness will allow him to get onto the field rather early in his career. (via Justin Melo)
DE Daelin Hayes, Notre Dame (6035, 261 lbs): Hayes offers some solid size to man the defensive edge at the next level. While not the most explosive pass rusher, the potential Day Three selection could see some action as an early-down edge setter versus the run. (via Justin Melo)
RB Jaret Patterson, Buffalo (5090, 195 lbs): A potential mid-round selection, Patterson offers a versatile skillset and can serve as either a change-of-pace or receiving back in the NFL: he can successfully carry the ball when asked to run between the tackles, but is also experienced as a receiver out of the backfield. (via Justin Melo)
CB Avery Williams, Boise State (5090, 197 lbs): While Williams is listed as a cornerback and can contribute in sub looks at the next level, his true value comes in the kicking game: he is one of the most electric special teamers in this year’s draft. Williams has nine return touchdowns on his résumé and has blocked three punts as well as a field goal and an extra point. (via Justin Melo)
RB Jermar Jefferson, Oregon State (5090, 215 lbs): A versatile player who has been immensely productive at Oregon State — he registered 3,222 yards from scrimmage and 29 touchdowns in three seasons — Jefferson projects favorably as a change-of-pace back at the next level. Not only is he a solid receiving option out of the backfield, he also has the vision and quickness to succeed as a between-the-tackles runner. (via Justin Melo)
CB Thomas Graham Jr, Oregon (5105, 193 lbs): Thomas projects as a mid-round selection, but his ceiling might be limited due to his comparatively average athletic skillset. That said, he has value as a potential special teams presence and also brings a solid technique to the table that helps him stay competitive when asked to cover man-to-man. (via Justin Melo)
TE Brevin Jordan, Miami (6030, 245 lbs): One of the best tight end prospects in this year’s draft, Jordan is a versatile playmaker who can be a difference-maker in the passing game from Day One. While he still has room for growth as a blocker, his receiving skills in combination with his athleticism and size make him a dangerous player. He is projected to come off the board early on the second day of the draft. (via Justin Melo)
CB Deommodore Lenoir, Oregon (5110, 202 lbs): Lenoir projects as a rotational cornerback at the next level whose biggest strengths are his versatility and his instinctive play rather than his athleticism. He should be able to contribute in the kicking game right away, but is a project as a defensive back. (via Justin Melo)
WR Rondale Moore, Purdue (5090, 175 lbs): A hit-or-miss prospect, Moore could be an immediate weapon in the NFL due to his impressive athleticism and ability to play seemingly every role on the offensive side of the ball. While his ceiling is as high as that of any wide receiver in the class, he does come with his fair share of questions — from his build to his extensive injury history. (via Justin Melo)