The New England Patriots are looking to improve their offensive depth in 2016 as key members move well into their 30s. Right tackle Sebastian Vollmer will be 32 years old, and wide receivers Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola will both be 30. Bill Belichick and Nick Caserio will work to ensure the team has viable depth in the pipelines.
Caserio is currently at the University of Cincinnati pro day, per NFL Draft Insider Tony Pauline, working extensively with the wide receivers. "At one point toward the end of the workout, Nick Caserio requested the receivers run specific routes," Pauline writes.
While Cincinnati had three receivers at the Combine in Chris Moore, Johnny Holton, and Mekale McKay, none are considered anything more than late-round prospects. Moore is a 6'1, 206 lbs, Holton is 6'1, 190 lbs, and McKay is 6'4, 207 lbs. Moore and Holton are deep threats, while McKay is a former basketball player.
Cincinnati is interesting because they operate within a high-speed Pro Style offense, which makes the players a great potential fit with the Patriots. Former undrafted free agent receiver Kenbrell Thompkins is a Cincinnati graduate who made a quick impact in the New England offense.
I'm a fan of Cincinnati tackle Parker Ehinger, who would serve as a quality swing tackle for most teams in the NFL.
In other news, offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia is at Louisiana State to watch the LSU pro day.
Scarnecchia has his hand in the team's selection and development of most of the team's offensive line. He worked out left tackle Nate Solder in 2011, center Bryan Stork and swing tackle Cameron Fleming in 2014, and left guard Shaq Mason and Tre Jackson in 2015.
LSU has a pair of top tier offensive linemen prospects in Vadal Alexander and Jerald Hawkins. Alexander was a four year starter, which carries a lot of weight for Bill Belichick and company, with two at right tackle and two at left guard. He is viewed as a 2nd round prospect.
Hawkins is a more athletic type of tackle, with two years at right tackle (while Alexander was at left guard) and this past season at left tackle. He operates well in space and offers a ton of upside. He's a borderline 2nd or 3rd round pick, who could be a perfect prospect for development.
LSU also features a pair of quality defenders in safety Jalen Mills and linebacker Deion Jones. Both will likely be selected before the Patriots 2nd round pick.