Patriots 2019 pre-draft tracker: Interviews, workouts, meetings, analysis, and more

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. With pro days currently going on, expect plenty of news to come your way.

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)

DE Zach Allen, Boston College (6041, 281 lbs): While Allen brings tremendous length to the table to serve as a defensive edge at the next level, his limited athleticism makes him though to project at the next level. That being said, his foundation — from his sound hand usage to his versatility and quick first step to a variety of pass rushing moves — is solid. (via Zack Cox)

DE Charles Omenihu, Texas (6054, 280 lbs): His game needs some fine-tuning, but Omenihu has all the tools to serve as an end-of-the-line defender in the NFL: he has the combination of length, run-game discipline and burst to become an impactful player in New England’s defense. (via Doug Kyed)

DE Ben Banogu, TCU (6035, 250 lbs): A late-round prospect, Banogu needs to improve his technique at the next level to grow beyond depth level and special teams player and into an impactful defender. He has the size but needs to be worked with. (via Doug Kyed)

DE John Cominsky, Charleston (6053, 286 lbs): Coming from Division II’s Charleston, Cominsky has intriguing size and outstanding athleticism. One of the questions surrounding him is how his comparatively modest numbers against inferior competition will impact his draft stock. (via Doug Kyed)

DT Byron Cowart, Maryland (6030, 298 lbs): A former five-star high school recruit, Cowart transferred from Auburn to Maryland in search of more consistent playing time: he found it and quickly became a starter at his new school. That being said, Cowart might have benefitted from staying in school one year longer as his technique remains a work in progress. (via Doug Kyed)

DT Jonathan Ledbetter, Georgia (6038, 280 lbs): An edge rusher at Georgia, Ledbetter might benefit from moving to the interior in the NFL: his size and power might make him intriguing option as a sub pass rusher at the next level, compared to a true defensive edge. (via Doug Kyed)

DE Anthony Nelson, Iowa (6070, 271 lbs): At 6’7, Nelson brings tremendous size to the table — not his only positive trait, though: he has proven himself a capable run defender with adequate pass rushing skills. While he needs to work on his form and bend across the edge, the Iowa product offers tremendous potential. (via Doug Kyed)

DT Isaiah Buggs, Alabama (6031, 306 lbs): Buggs has the size to serve as a run-stuffing interior defender at the next level — a position of need for the Patriots in case Malcom Brown and Danny Shelton depart via free agency. A versatile defender that can be p productive against the pass as well. (via Doug Kyed)

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 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)

DT Greg Gaines, Washington (6010, 312 lbs): Gaines’ build and lack of pass rushing impact at Washington will likely hurt his draft stock. Given his one-dimensionality, he will likely be seen as an early-down defender in the NFL and a run-stuffer against base and short yardage packages. (via Doug Kyed)

DT Gerald Willis, Miami (6018, 302 lbs): A powerful defender that is surprisingly quick for his size, Willis has the size and athletic skills to find success as a run defender and interior pass rusher. Multiple suspensions during his collegiate career as well as a dismissal from Florida might hurt his draft stock, but the potential the Miami product brings to the table cannot be denied. (via Ryan Hannable)

DT Daylon Mack, Texas A&M (6010, 336 lbs): Mack is a big presence at defensive tackle that enters the draft coming off the best season of his career. While his pass rushing is nothing to write home about, he has value as a run-stuffer at the next level and can hold his own against double teams and when it comes to gap control. (via Evan Lazar)

DT Jerry Tillery, Notre Dame (6065, 295 lbs): Tillery brings plenty of potential to the table but has not always been able to live up to it at Notre Dame. That being said, his enormous frame in combination with solid pass rushing skills and good effort on any given down makes him an intriguing option at defensive tackle. (via Zack Cox)

DT Dre’Mont Jones, Ohio State (6028, 281 lbs): Called the best interior pass rusher in the draft by potential first-overall pick Nick Bosa, Jones brings plenty of potential to the table. More of a downhill attacker than a gap controller at the moment, the Ohio State product still needs some work to turn into an every-down defender at the next level, though. (via Kevin Duffy)

DE Austin Bryant, Clemson (6039, 271 lbs): Bringing solid size to the table, Bryant was second on the 2018 national champions with 8.5 sacks. Primarily an edge rusher, he will need to learn to set the edge to have success on a defense like the one the Patriots run. (via Doug Kyed)

DE CeCe Jefferson, Florida (6015, 266 lbs): Jefferson is not going to wow anyone with his size and athleticism. That being said, he is a sound technician in the run game that appears to have some upside against the pass. (via Doug Kyed)

DE Daniel Wise, Kansas State (6026, 281 lbs): The younger brother of the Patriots’ Deatrich Wise Jr. brings plenty of versatility to the table and a skill set similar to that of impending Patriots free agent Trey Flowers. The team captain and productive interior penetrator furthermore has a quick first step, good lateral movement skills and violent hand usage. (via Henry McKenna)

DE Maxx Crosby, Eastern Michigan (6048, 255 lbs): Neither the quickest nor the most physical player, Crosby will rather win with his technique and football IQ than his athletic skill set. If he can keep his weight balanced, he could become a solid rotational edge defender at the next level. (via Henry McKenna)

DE Joe Jackson, Miami (6043, 275 lbs): Jackson is a stout edge setter in the running game but has plenty of room to grow as a pass rusher that is currently winning more with power than technique. All in all, the Miami product could be productive on the edge and the interior. (via Doug Kyed)

DE Shareef Miller, Penn State (6045, 254 lbs): Projected to serve primarily as a pass rusher at the next level, Miller is entering the draft off his most productive season at Penn State. While he might have benefitted from staying in school for his senior season, his foundation is solid albeit currently not suited for a three-down role. (via Doug Kyed)

DE Darryl Johnson, North Carolina A&T (6060, 253 lbs): Slightly built for his height, Johnson will need to add some bulk at the next level to serve as more than a pass rusher at the next level. At this stage, he looks like a developmental option that needs time to grow into its potential. (via Doug Kyed)

CB Rock Ya-Sin, Temple (5118, 192 lbs): A member of the combine’s all-name team, Ya-Sin has good size and strength to function as a press-man cornerback at the next level. While he was rarely asked to play zone at Temple, his athleticism should allow him to transition between coverages if asked to do so. (via Evan Lazar)

SS Taylor Rapp, Washington (5118, 208 lbs): A versatile player that brings adequate size, strength and tackling skills to the table in order to serve as a safety-linebacker hybrid at the next level, Rapp will likely come off the board on day two of the draft. (via Evan Lazar)

FS Nasir Adderley, Delaware (5118, 206 lbs): One of the top-ranked safeties of this year’s draft class, Adderley has outstanding instincts and an ability to read the field from a deep centerfield spot — similar to the Patriots’ Devin McCourty. Capable to be a day-one starter on defense and special teams, it would not be a surprise if the Delaware product came off the board in the first round in April. (via Evan Lazar)

Pro Days

OG Nick Allegretti, Illinois (6040, 320 lbs): There is a lot to like about Allegretti from his experience to his role as a two-year team captain. Furthermore, he excelled as both a pass blocker — he allowed only one quarterback hit on 394 dropbacks in 2018 — and in the running game during his senior season at Illinois. (via Tony Pauline)

CB Xavier Crawford, Central Michigan (5109, 187 lbs): Considered a late-round prospect, Crawford has the skill set to serve as a press-man cornerback at the next level. While not the most athletic player, he could carve out a niche as a rotational defender and special teamer. (via Tony Pauline)

OT Aaron Monteiro, Boston College (6070, 320 lbs): After not getting invited to the combine, Patriots offensive line coach Dante Scarencchia worked Monteiro out at Boston College’s pro day. The projected late-round selection certainly brings intriguing size and experience to the table. (via Adam Kurkjian)

OG Chris Lindstrom, Boston College (6038, 308 lbs): One of the best interior offensive linemen to enter this year’s draft, Lindstrom could very well hear his name called on day one due to his moving skills, size, and consistency as both a run and pass blocker. While New England has no need along the interior at the moment, Lindstrom could serve as either a tackle-conversion or security option with Joe Thuney about to hit free agency. (via Adam Kurkjian)

WR Gary Jennings, West Virginia (6010, 214 lbs): Jenning brings adequate speed, experience and route-running skills to the table, and is projected to stretch the field vertically at the next level. He also brings versatility to the table and has some experience as a returner. (via Aditi Kinkhabwala)

WR David Sills, West Virginia (6033, 211 lbs): A big target that might be best used in a Chris Hogan-like role as an X/Z hybrid, Sills offers a high football IQ and an impressive track record of production: after transferring back to West Virginia from El Camino College after the 2016 season, the converted quarterback averaged 62.5 catches over his two seasons for a combined 1,966 yards and 33 touchdowns. (via Aditi Kinkhabwala)

RB Marquis Young, Massachusetts (6010, 215 lbs): While not the most explosive running back, Young has the skills to serve as a change-of-pace back at the next level with upside as a kickoff returner as well. An experienced player, he finished his four-year career at UMass with 784 offensive touches for 4,297 yards and 31 touchdowns. (via Tony Pauline)

DE Jaylon Ferguson, Louisiana Tech (6050, 269 lbs): Ferguson was immensely productive in college — he averaged 11.3 sacks over his four seasons at Louisiana Tech — and has the size to be a successful defender at the next level. While not the most outstanding athlete, he could develop into a solid rotational edge. (via Walter Cherepinsky)

LB Terez Hall, Missouri (6011, 230 lbs): What Hall may lack in size, he makes up with his physicality as a downhill defender and coverage player. While his decision making and general feel for the game need to improve, he could find a role on an NFL roster as a depth and special teams option. (via Tony Pauline)

DE Jamal Davis II, Akron (6031, 243 lbs): Neither the biggest nor the speediest option on the edge, Davis II will need to add to his frame to be able to serve as an edge setter and pass rusher at the next level. Overall, he looks like a developmental late-round or free agency option. (via Tony Pauline)

DE Jesse Aniebonam, Maryland (6030, 260 lbs): Aniebonam has solid size and a quick first step, but failed to translate his athletic skills into production during his 2018 season at Maryland. Missing virtually all of 2017 due to a broken foot might have contributed to this, though, considering that he the five-year senior had 46 tackles, 9.0 sacks, and 1 interception the year before his injury. (via Tony Pauline)

LB Bobby Okereke, Stanford (6013, 239 lbs): An off-ball linebacker of today’s leaner, rangier mold, Okereke was a productive three-year starter for David Shaw’s Stanford Cardinal, amassing 227 total tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, eight pass deflections, an interception, and one touchdown. He put up an elite RAS score of 9.13 after nice showing at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine, and projects to be an early day-four pick. Nick Caserio worked out Okereke at Stanford’s Pro Day. (via Tony Pauline)

LB Joey Alfieri, Stanford (6030, 235 lbs): While not as athletically “twitched up” as his Stanford teammate Bobby Okereke, Alfieri boasts equally impressive PAC-12 production over the past four seasons, with 156 total tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles in 47 games. He split time playing off-ball linebacker and on the edge in college, much like the player he says he models his game after: Kyle Van Voy. Alfieri, who reportedly ran a 4.53 40-yard dash at Stanford’s Pro Day — where Nick Caserio worked him out — projects as a potential late-round pick who can contribute right away on special teams. (via Tony Pauline)

WR A.J. Brown, Mississippi (6005, 226 lbs): One of the top wide receiver prospects in this year’s draft, Brown is coming off an outstanding junior season at Ole Miss: in 2018, he caught 85 passes for 1,320 yards and 6 touchdowns. While not the most athletic receiver, the projected slot option is an intriguing option early on day two due to his advanced route tree and outstanding hands. (via James Palmer)

Top-30 meetings

CB Joejuan Williams, Vanderbilt (6036, 211 lbs): Projected to become an early mid-round selection, Williams is a physical cornerback that has a promising athletic skill set. The 21-year old certainly could turn out to be a diamond in the rough — a potential boundary cornerback or maybe even free safety that needs to work on his technique but has a solid foundation in place. (via Jon Ledyard)

LB Blake Cashman, Minnesota (6011, 237 lbs): A hyper-athletic player that stood out at the scouting combine, Cashman has all the athletic tools to excel as a coverage linebacker in the NFL. The likely day two selection would therefore fill an area of need in New England. (via Darren Wolfson)

TE Jace Sternberger, Texas A&M (6040, 251 lbs): Sternberger, who also met with the Patriots at the combine, picked up 836 yards and scored 10 touchdowns in his first and only season with Texas A&M. He has a lot of potential as a pass catcher at this point in his development, but needs to add to his frame to find consistent success as a blocker at the next level. (via Jared Tokarz)

WR Miles Boykin, Notre Dame (6038, 220 lbs): Coming off a solid but rather average senior season — he caught 59 passes during his senior year for 872 yards and eight touchdowns — the Notre Dame product stood out at the combine and posted the fastest 3-cone time and best vertical jump, ranked second at the broad jump and ninth in the 40-yard dash. A developmental prospect worth a late-round investment. (via Jared Tokarz)

WR A.J. Brown, Mississippi (6005, 226 lbs): One of the top wide receiver prospects in this year’s draft, Brown is coming off an outstanding junior season at Ole Miss: in 2018, he caught 85 passes for 1,320 yards and 6 touchdowns. While not the most athletic receiver, the projected slot option is an intriguing option early on day two due to his advanced route tree and outstanding hands. (and via Tom Pelissero)

WR N’Keal Harry, Arizona State (6024, 228 lbs): A versatile target that projects to serve as an X-receiver at the next level, Harry is one of the best wide receivers to enter the draft this year. His size and athletic skills help make up for some of his minor shortcomings, and made him a productive player at Arizona State: in his three years playing for the Sun Devils, Harry averages 71 catches, 963 receiving yards and 7.3 touchdowns per season. (via Mike Garafolo)

OT Kaleb McGary, Washington (6071, 317 lbs): A physically imposing player, McGary offers plenty of experiencing as a three-year starter at right tackle. While he needs to work on his technique, he has the athleticism to become a starting-caliber lineman at the next level — one that might reach his full potential on the interior rather than the edge, however. Either way, McGary could be a day-one starter no matter where he lines up. (via Aaron Wilson)

SS Johnathan Abram, Mississippi State (5114, 205 lbs): Abram projects to serve as strong safety at the next level, and stands out due to his excellent run defense, tackling, and physicality at the point of attack. A player similar to the Patriots’ Patrick Chung, the 22-year-old is one of the better and more polished players his position has to offer this year. (via Tom Pelissero)

DT Kingsley Keke, Texas A&M (6026, 288 lbs): Projected as a mid-round selection, Keke has the bend and flexibility to find success as an interior penetrator. And even though he lacks the quickness the Patriots are normally looking for from their defensive linemen, he offers some upside as a versatile pass rusher at the next level. (via Aaron Wilson)

DE Ben Banogu, TCU (6031, 250 lbs): Still a raw prospect from the standpoint of developing a versatile pass rush plan and putting his incredible athletic profile to better use to set a hard edge against the run, Banogu is drawing a ton of interest from NFL teams following an excellent combine and two productive seasons at TCU which saw him amass 34.5 tackles for loss and 17 sacks. (via Justin Melo)

WR Mecole Hardman, Georgia (5010, 187 lbs): Perhaps the most explosive weapon with the football in his hands in the entire draft, Hardman’s 4.33 speed was utilized in multiple ways in Athens; from vertical routes, screens, and jet sweeps, to his electric work in the punt and kickoff return games. (via Billy Marshall)

QB Daniel Jones, Duke (6050, 221 lbs): The Patriots have to think about the future of the quarterback position, with Jones considered one of the top few quarterbacks available. The Patriots are also known to bring in quarterbacks of divisional interest and the Dolphins could be a first round landing spot. (via Ian Rapoport)

QB Will Grier, West Virginia (6021, 217 lbs): The Patriots also met with Grier at the Senior Bowl, so there’s definite interest. Grier is one of the best quarterback prospects in the draft. (via Ian Rapoport)

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 Tom Pelissero)

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 Alex Marvez)

WR Jalen Hurd, Baylor (6046, 226 lbs): Hurd transferred to Baylor after three season at Tennessee and switched from playing running back to wide receiver. Hurd was a top running back prospect at Tennessee, gaining 2,635 yards and adding 492 receiving yards. He gained 946 receiving yards and 209 rushing yards in his one year as a receiver at Baylor as their leading receiver. (via Ian Rapoport)

QB Jarrett Stidham, Auburn (6023, 218 lbs): Stidham is a midround prospect that suffered from a weak supporting cast and poor coaching. He has a lot of the tools necessary to be successful in the NFL, but he’s a high-risk prospect. He entered 2018 with high expectations after a solid 2017, but did not meet those expectations. (via Tom Pelissero)

QB Clayton Thorson, Northwestern (6040, 222 lbs): Thorson looks the part and had high expectations after a solid 2016 season, but didn’t live up to those hopes in either 2017 or 2018. NFL scouts consider him a day 2 prospect, but he’s another high-risk prospects. (via Tom Pelissero)

CB Lonnie Johnson Jr., Kentucky (6021, 210 lbs): Johnson is considered one of the top man coverage cornerbacks in the draft, with great size and strength. He doesn’t have blazing speed and he’s inconsistent against the run, but he could really flourish in the correct defensive system. He sat out the 2016 season to focus on academics. (via Aaron Wilson)

LB Terez Hall, Missouri (6011, 230 lbs): What Hall may lack in size, he makes up with his physicality as a downhill defender and coverage player. An official top-30 visit solidifies the Patriots’ interest in him as the first project for new LBs coach Jerod Mayo. (via Mike Reiss)

OG Nate Davis, Charlotte (6032, 312 lbs): The Patriots hosted the small school prospect on an official visit as a potential project and replacement for Joe Thuney. Davis was a four-year starter on the right side, at both guard and tackle, but has some question marks due to time suspended or academically ineligible. (via Tony Pauline)

Private Workouts

S Mike Edwards, Kentucky (5010, 205 lbs): A 4-year starter in the SEC, Edwards is a gritty box/slot safety who is somewhat limited athletically, but checks a lot of the boxes the Patriots look for in tackling ability and instincts. He draws a 94.7% Mockdraftable match to former Patriots cornerback Alfonzo Dennard, and projects as a day-four pick. (via Justin Melo)

CB Derrick Baity, Kentucky (6021, 197 lbs): A long, productive corner who started for three seasons in Lexington, the Patriots likely want to get a good look at a player whose athletic profile drew its strongest Mockdraftable comparison to Aqib Talib. (via Justin Melo)