Pats Pulpit - Patriots 2022 NFL Draft profiles: Scouting reports, analysis, best fits, and morePats Pulpit: A New England Patriots Communityhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51321/pp-fav.png2022-04-28T06:00:00-04:00http://www.patspulpit.com/rss/stream/227992472022-04-28T06:00:00-04:002022-04-28T06:00:00-04:00Patriots draft profile: Jordan Davis would have a transformative effect on New England’s defense
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<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: JAN 10 CFP National Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zE35VzK-qATYUdvuqqDzral3P4Y=/259x193:2919x1966/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70803624/1237678640.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p><strong>Related:</strong> <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/2022/4/27/23045467/2022-patriots-draft-profile-daxton-hill-defensive-back-michigan">Patriots draft profile: Daxton Hill has everything New England wants in a defensive back</a></p> <p id="w4CSl1">From signing Davon Godchaux and Henry Anderson in free agency, to re-signing Lawrence Guy, Deatrich Wise Jr. and Carl Davis, to selecting Christian Barmore in the second round of the draft, the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> invested considerable resources along their defensive line in 2021. With all of them remaining under contract heading into 2022 as well, there does not appear to be a serious need to add further upgrades to the position group.</p>
<p id="7UeH7x">However, last season showed that it does indeed remain a work in progress. Sure, Barmore appears to be a cornerstone of the unit for years to come, but the Patriots as a whole had a hard time along their D-line in 2021: the lack of a big-bodied nose capable of occupying blockers for an extended period of time forced others to play out of position and weakened the structural integrity of the entire defense.</p>
<p id="hnDGkD">If the Patriots want to address this issue after a rather inactive offseason thus far, there is no better place to start than the draft. And there is no better player to add to the equation than Georgia’s Jordan Davis.</p>
<p id="oK566e"><strong>Name:</strong> Jordan Davis</p>
<p id="Xc9w10"><strong>Position:</strong> Defensive tackle</p>
<p id="5TCPgi"><strong>School:</strong> Georgia (Senior)</p>
<p id="riMLbo"><strong>Opening day age:</strong> 22</p>
<p id="MbNdOT"><strong>2021 season:</strong> 15 games; 32 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss; 2 sacks; 1 rush touchdown</p>
<p id="ECjuwC"><strong>Size:</strong> 6063, 341 lbs, 34 arm, 81 1/8 wingspan, 10 3/4 hand</p>
<p id="bp64M4"><strong>Expected round:</strong> 1st</p>
<p id="1bsppv"><strong>Strengths:</strong> There is no other way to say it: Davis is a freak. Standing at 6-foot-6 and 341 pounds, he is a mountain of a man and incredibly hard to move off his position at the line of scrimmage. He eats up blocking attempts due to his immense size and successfully closes down lanes regardless if asked to two-gap or shoot up the field. Having him on the field makes life easier for all those around him.</p>
<p id="F83EM2">Davis combines his size with some elite — and we mean ELITE — athleticism. In fact, using Kent Lee Platte’s Relative Athletic Score as a point of reference he might just be the best athlete the defensive tackle position has produced in the last 35 years:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jordan Davis is a DT prospect in the 2022 draft class. He scored a 10 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 1 out of 1459 DT from 1987 to 2022. <a href="https://t.co/kiFBcmsByh">https://t.co/kiFBcmsByh</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RAS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RAS</a> <a href="https://t.co/YKixPqMs11">pic.twitter.com/YKixPqMs11</a></p>— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) <a href="https://twitter.com/MathBomb/status/1518935424189833217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2022</a>
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<p id="LUSdCW">Despite going up against strong competition in the SEC, Davis has shown that he knows how to use his athleticism. He moves faster than you would expect a man of his size to move, and catches offensive linemen of guard with his quick get-off at the snap and short-area agility. Combine this with a natural feel for locating the football in traffic and you get as disruptive a player as any in this year’s draft — both against the run and against the pass.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">#99 Jordan Davis with the stack and shed and making it look casual <a href="https://t.co/RIK0ynwCWO">pic.twitter.com/RIK0ynwCWO</a></p>— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nate_Tice/status/1513919207011848199?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2022</a>
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<p id="GCklNd">Davis has a stout anchor and combines it with tremendous upper-body power and flexibility. Containing him for more than a few split-seconds is near-impossible, especially in one-on-one situations: he will take advantage of any lapse of technique or wrong read and blow up plays before they are allowed to develop. Offenses need to be on their A-game to keep him in check.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here's Jordan Davis eating a quarterback <a href="https://t.co/4f36cVEAuf">pic.twitter.com/4f36cVEAuf</a></p>— Justis Mosqueda (4 top-59 picks haver) (@JuMosq) <a href="https://twitter.com/JuMosq/status/1495501854087983106?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2022</a>
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<p id="ucvdDB"><strong>Weaknesses:</strong> Davis is the total package, but there are a few questions nonetheless. His short-area mobility is impressive, but his long range is not: he will not be chasing down ball-carriers on stretch plays anytime soon. He also has sufficient strength but is not the most powerful athlete when on the move.</p>
<p id="Yz8Y4X">Furthermore, he projects best as a package player with limited initial upside as a pass rusher. Unless he improves his conditioning or loses some weight, seeing him become a Vince Wilfork-esque presence playing 70-plus percent of defensive snaps seems unlikely; Davis averaged just 25 snaps per game at Georgia last season.</p>
<p id="6dfOEn"><strong>What would be his role?</strong> Davis’ athleticism makes for an intriguing projection, but he appears to be best suited to start his career as a two-gapper at the heart of the defensive line. The Patriots have been missing a true big-bodied nose ever since the departure of Danny Shelton, and Davis would be just that for them: a gap-controlling player who decides where the line of scrimmage will be set on every play he is a part of.</p>
<p id="JJfNga"><strong>Does he have positional versatility?</strong> You play him at 1-tech and have him shoot through the A-gap? He can do that. You align him in a 3-tech spot and watch him blow up guards? He can do that as well. You use him as a nose and shut down two gaps at once? No problem. You employ him on special teams to disrupt field goal and extra point attempts? Of course. Within what he does, Davis is a very versatile player.</p>
<p id="SH4aLh"><strong>Who is his competition?</strong> Davis is a unicorn, and he would not have any competition upon entering the Patriots’ roster. He would be NT1 right away and as such either free up other players to move into different spots better suited for their skillsets (e.g. Davon Godchaux) or push them down the depth chart (e.g. Carl Davis). Regardless, he would be a Day 1 starter and top-level lineman alongside Christian Barmore.</p>
<p id="7QKzdh"><strong>Why the Patriots?</strong> A while back, Bill Belichick mentioned that there are not too many 340-pound players available. Davis is just that, and combines his size with a rare athletic profile. He would be a perfect fit for what the Patriots are looking for along their defensive line, and give them the big, disruptive player they have been missing at the nose tackle spot. In turn, he would have a transformative effect on the defensive front and what was a shaky run defense in 2021.</p>
<p id="gkcOed"><strong>Why not the Patriots?</strong> The only reason why the Patriots would not entertain the idea of adding Davis in the first round is if he is not available. Unfortunately, that is a realistic scenario: the 22-year-old might come off the board in the mid-teens which would probably be too early for New England’s liking and trade-up capacities.</p>
<p id="d8nljZ"><strong>Verdict:</strong> If Davis drops into the Patriots’ range or even lap at No. 21, picking him would be a no-brainer. While they have more drastic needs to address such as cornerback or the interior offensive line, adding him to their defense would single-handedly make the entire unit a better one. Pairing Davis and Christian Barmore would bring back memories of the mid-2000s, when Vince Wilfork, Richard Seymour and Ty Warren manned New England’s D-line.</p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2022/4/28/23046085/2022-patriots-draft-profile-jordan-davis-georgia-defensive-tackleBernd Buchmasser2022-04-27T20:00:00-04:002022-04-27T20:00:00-04:00Patriots draft profile: Daxton Hill has everything New England wants in a defensive back
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<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 25 Rutgers at Michigan" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/e1V6M2HFNfghmZvZJjj7f_fhNhY=/0x902:3422x3183/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70802577/1235586403.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p><strong>Related:</strong> <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/2022/4/27/23044335/2022-patriots-draft-profile-sean-rhyan-ucla-guard">Patriots draft profile: Sean Rhyan could be New England’s next tackle-to-guard convert</a></p> <p id="G4dJNc">On paper, the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> do not appear to have a need for another safety. Devin McCourty was re-signed in free agency, Jabrill Peppers was brought aboard, and both Adrian Phillips and Kyle Dugger are signed for the next few seasons. The group is already one of the deepest in the NFL.</p>
<p id="y3IMDG">And yet, the Patriots going after a safety should not be discounted — especially one as impressive as Michigan’s Daxton Hill. A true do-it-all defender who fits what the team is looking for in the secondary, Hill joining New England as an early-round selection could very much happen.</p>
<p id="XNFVlX">So, with that said, let’s get to meet him and find out what he brings to the table.</p>
<p id="oK566e"><strong>Name:</strong> Daxton Hill</p>
<p id="Xc9w10"><strong>Position:</strong> Defensive back</p>
<p id="5TCPgi"><strong>School:</strong> Michigan (Junior)</p>
<p id="riMLbo"><strong>Opening day age:</strong> 21</p>
<p id="MbNdOT"><strong>2021 season:</strong> 14 games; 69 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss; 68 targets, 48 catches, 456 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions; 0.5 sacks</p>
<p id="ECjuwC"><strong>Size:</strong> 6002, 191 lbs, 32 1/4 arm, 79 1/4 wingspan, 9 1/2 hand</p>
<p id="bp64M4"><strong>Expected round:</strong> Late 1st</p>
<p id="1bsppv"><strong>Strengths:</strong> A former five-star recruit out of high school, Hill can play any role in the secondary at a high level — something he did during his three seasons at Michigan. He has the football IQ and mental processing skills to transition between assignments quickly, and combines it with the athleticism to successfully wear multiple hats.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here’s some of his versatility playing slot corner - Instinctual player that can fit all over the secondary and fit due to his athleticism. <a href="https://t.co/59RBlCT7vI">pic.twitter.com/59RBlCT7vI</a></p>— Ryan Spagnoli (@Ryan_Spags) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ryan_Spags/status/1502257795877507073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2022</a>
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<p id="jiHGcc">Running a 4.38-second 40-yard dash, Hill has the range to align as a deep centerfielder in single-high coverage shells. He also has the quick-twitch movement skills to move down to the slot and help in man-to-man or zone concepts. Additionally, he is not afraid to come down and play the run either from the box or in the deep parts of the field; Hill is a physical player and despite a lack of bulk is a sound tackler.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here he is again taking on bigger guys and getting physical in the run game. Put this guy in Bill Belichick’s defense and he’ll find any spot for him to succeed in. <a href="https://t.co/8S4iLxFpmw">pic.twitter.com/8S4iLxFpmw</a></p>— Ryan Spagnoli (@Ryan_Spags) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ryan_Spags/status/1502257798360576002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2022</a>
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<p id="UvDs3M">Hill also takes good angles in pursuit and has the speed to close in quickly on ball carriers or shut down throwing windows. In general, he has shown good anticipation and an ability to read opposing quarterbacks when guarding either the deep parts of the field or playing underneath. A scheme-agnostic player capable of finding success regardless of the defense he is in, he does it all at a fairly high level.</p>
<p id="ucvdDB"><strong>Weaknesses:</strong> Hill is neither the biggest nor the strongest player, which might limit the versatility he showed in college when entering the next level. At 191 pounds he does not have the ideal size to play in the box, or to take on NFL-caliber tight ends in coverage. His tackling form was successful at Michigan, but it too might become a problem versus pro-level competition.</p>
<p id="nEhHry">Hill furthermore trusts his instincts a bit too much, oftentimes relying on his athleticism and elite range rather than his keys.</p>
<p id="6dfOEn"><strong>What would be his role?</strong> Hill would probably start his career with the Patriots as a rotational player in the secondary, taking the field in select situations and as part of nickel, dime and quarter packages. With Devin McCourty’s future beyond 2022 uncertain, there is a chance the Michigan product takes on a starting role as early as 2023. He would then serve as the top deep-field option in single-high and two-safety looks.</p>
<p id="JJfNga"><strong>Does he have positional versatility?</strong> Hill’s ability to play multiple roles without a noticeable drop-off in production is one of his defining traits. While a majority of his snaps came in the slot in 2021 — almost 70 percent — he was moved deep, into the box and even split out wide. Additionally, Hill has considerable experience in the kicking game and should make an immediate impact on kick coverage.</p>
<p id="SH4aLh"><strong>Who is his competition?</strong> A projected first-round draft pick, Hill would not face any competition for a roster spot. As far as playing time goes, however, he would probably compete with the nickel/dime personnel currently on the roster. That means safeties Kyle Dugger, Adrian Phillips and Jabrill Peppers but even more so slot cornerbacks Jonathan Jones and Myles Bryant.</p>
<p id="7QKzdh"><strong>Why the Patriots?</strong> Devin McCourty is on the back nine of his career, and the clubhouse is already in sight. With no clear successor on the roster at the moment, bringing Hill aboard would make all the sense in the world. The 21-year-old has everything New England wants out of a defensive back, after all: range, versatility, smarts, you name it. He would essentially be allowed a year to watch and learn from the team captain before taking over his role in 2023.</p>
<p id="gkcOed"><strong>Why not the Patriots?</strong> New England has considerable needs at multiple positions, but safety is not one of them. Sure, Hill has played boundary cornerback before but he would not be able to help replace CB1 J.C. Jackson. Drafting him in Round 1, however, would prevent the team from finding a suitable replacement for its departed Pro Bowl cornerback.</p>
<p id="d8nljZ"><strong>Verdict:</strong> Projected as a deep safety in the NFL, Daxton Hill would be a luxury pick for the Patriots for 2022. However, his outlook as a potential Devin McCourty successor makes him a very real possibility in the late first round. That is especially true if New England is successfully trading down into the high 20s; the team could still pick Hill at No. 21 but a trade-down followed by his name being called seems like a more realistic course of action.</p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2022/4/27/23045467/2022-patriots-draft-profile-daxton-hill-defensive-back-michiganBernd Buchmasser2022-04-27T06:00:00-04:002022-04-27T06:00:00-04:00Patriots draft profile: Sean Rhyan could be New England’s next tackle-to-guard convert
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<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: OCT 23 Oregon at UCLA" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qDjJ36z0v4UJgVRztVkHTcH25yM=/0x377:1884x1633/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70798957/1236130935.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p><strong>Related:</strong> <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/2022/4/26/23042335/2022-patriots-draft-profile-nakobe-dean-linebacker-georgia">Patriots draft profile: Nakobe Dean is the prototypical modern-day linebacker</a></p> <p id="G4dJNc">The <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> have successfully converted college offensive tackles to guards in the past. Logan Mankins and Joe Thuney both played on the outside during their college careers at Fresno State and N.C. State, respectively, but moved inside upon joining the Patriots and developed into some of the league’s best players at their respective positions.</p>
<p id="n4wc01">New England going down that route again to address its current need at guard — both starters from last year are off the roster now — would therefore not be a surprise. If that happens, there might not be a more intriguing prospect available than UCLA’s Sean Rhyan.</p>
<p id="oK566e"><strong>Name:</strong> Sean Rhyan</p>
<p id="Xc9w10"><strong>Position:</strong> Guard/Offensive tackle</p>
<p id="5TCPgi"><strong>School:</strong> UCLA (Junior)</p>
<p id="riMLbo"><strong>Opening day age:</strong> 23</p>
<p id="MbNdOT"><strong>2021 season:</strong> 12 games; 13 quarterback pressures allowed (1 sack, 3 hits, 9 hurries)</p>
<p id="ECjuwC"><strong>Size:</strong> 6045, 321 lbs, 32 3/8 arm, 79 1/4 wingspan, 11 1/8 hand</p>
<p id="bp64M4"><strong>Expected round:</strong> 3rd</p>
<p id="1bsppv"><strong>Strengths:</strong> Standing at just under 6-foot-5 and 321 pounds with a good enough arm length and massive hands, Rhyan projects more favorably on the inside than at his college position of left tackle. He certainly has the build to successfully make the transition to the interior, and also combines his measurements with an intriguing athletic skillset.</p>
<p id="BP6uOi">In fact, Rhyan’s Relative Athletic Score of 9.33 out of 10 makes him one of the best athletes the position has to offer this year. While his projection on the inside is somewhat unclear based on the fact he exclusively lined up at tackle during his three-year career at UCLA, his athletic skills and advanced technical makeup popped up time and again on tape.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">UCLA T/G Sean Rhyan (LT #74) with wins on back-to-back reps vs Kayvon Thibodeaux. Stout anchor, +upper-body/grip strength, plays with great leverage and balance. Very technically sound and experienced (32 career starts at LT). Played for Chip Kelly. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Patriots?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Patriots</a> <a href="https://t.co/2op6A85lTO">pic.twitter.com/2op6A85lTO</a></p>— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) <a href="https://twitter.com/ezlazar/status/1496521863396216835?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2022</a>
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<p id="JyunPJ">Rhyan combines encouraging sit-and-anchor skills with the necessary upper-body strength and consistent pad level to stay in position throughout his pass sets. He also is a handful when on the move in the run game, and has proven himself capable of driving people back and collapsing the point of attack.</p>
<p id="pckv7w">His short-area quickness is encouraging and he has shown the ability to quickly get up the field and identify his assignments at the second level. He is a scheme-flexible player and can work in both man and zone blocking schemes. Additionally, Rhyan was a durable player at UCLA and started all 31 of his college games.</p>
<p id="ucvdDB"><strong>Weaknesses:</strong> Rhyan has no experience playing on the interior, and moving him away from his college position is trusting that he can make he transition. Moreover, he lacks the length and fluidity out of his stance to be a factor at tackle; if he doesn’t work out at guard simply moving him back to the outside likely won’t work either.</p>
<p id="LoJNL7">He also is not the most powerful of players. While he has proper strength, he is too inconsistent combining it with his movement skills when climbing; if out of position he lacks the reach to recover quickly. He also was flagged six times during the 2021 season, including four false start infractions.</p>
<p id="nqWxib">On top of it all, Rhyan is comparatively old for a true junior. He will turn 24 in September; for comparison, first-round prospect Zion Johnson is two years younger as a redshirt senior.</p>
<p id="6dfOEn"><strong>What would be his role?</strong> Rhyan projects as a starting guard at the next level, and has the baseline athleticism and foundational technique to become a Day 1 starter in the NFL. As far at the Patriots are concerned, he projects as the starting left guard. This would allow Michael Onwenu to move the right side of the line into his more natural position and give New England a solid lineup of Isaiah Wynn, Rhyan, David Andrews, Onwenu and Trent Brown.</p>
<p id="JJfNga"><strong>Does he have positional versatility?</strong> Theoretically, yes. However, Rhyan’s experience playing outside of the left tackle spot is marginal: only three out of his over 2,000 snaps at UCLA came on the interior of the line. Turning him into a do-it-all lineman like Joe Thuney will require time.</p>
<p id="SH4aLh"><strong>Who is his competition?</strong> Rhyan would be a lock to make the Patriots’ roster if drafted in his expected range. Him earning a starting role as a rookie, however, would depend on his ability to adapt to his new position relative to the non-Michael Onwenu guard candidates already on the roster: James Ferentz, William Sherman, Arlington Hambright, Drew Desjarlais and Yasir Durant.</p>
<p id="7QKzdh"><strong>Why the Patriots?</strong> Well, they need somebody other than James Ferentz to fill the left guard spot, so... Seriously, though, Rhyan is an intriguing candidate who offers a lot of things the Patriots value in an offensive lineman: he combines good size and functional athleticism, has tremendous upside, and was coached by Bill Belichick confidante Chip Kelly at UCLA.</p>
<p id="gkcOed"><strong>Why not the Patriots?</strong> Rhyan’s ceiling is high, but as noted above he is a project. He could become a Day 1 starter when inserted into New England’s system, but worst case he never finds his footing and goes the way of Hjalte Froholdt: a former third-round draft pick out of Arkansas, Froholdt was unable to get onto the field and was waived during his second season.</p>
<p id="d8nljZ"><strong>Verdict:</strong> The Patriots going after an interior O-lineman in one of the middle rounds seems like a foregone conclusion, and few are better suited to become future starters than Rhyan. He is less safe a projection than someone like Georgia’s Jamaree Salyer, but has all the tools to make an immediate positive impact at a position group in need of it. If he is available for New England at pick No. 85, he certainly is a player to watch.</p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2022/4/27/23044335/2022-patriots-draft-profile-sean-rhyan-ucla-guardBernd Buchmasser2022-04-26T06:00:00-04:002022-04-26T06:00:00-04:00Patriots draft profile: Nakobe Dean is the prototypical modern-day linebacker
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<img alt="Missouri Tigers v Georgia Bulldogs" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UOQLQF3dHAUDt9cpxiOPLleLGzM=/0x173:2744x2002/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70793844/1352529964.0.jpg" />
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<p><strong>Related:</strong> <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/2022/4/25/23040674/2022-patriots-draft-profile-kaiir-elam-cornerback-florida">Patriots draft profile: Kaiir Elam could be the CB1 New England’s defense is missing</a></p> <p id="G4dJNc">With free agents Dont’a Hightower and Jamie Collins still unaccounted for, and with Kyle Van Noy released in a cost-cutting move, the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> appear to be in the process of rebuilding their linebacker corps. With the game changing and an ever greater emphasis on the passing game, a different type of player is emerging — one that is smaller than those three and therefore more flexible versus the pass.</p>
<p id="iB9tCm">The Patriots have some candidates already on their roster to play such a role. Mack Wilson was acquired via trade earlier in the offseason, while Raekwon McMillan and Cameron McGrone have the skillset to carve out roles as nickel linebackers as well. If the they are fully committed to rebuilding their linebacker group, however, there is a prospect in the 2022 draft who looks like a perfect fit.</p>
<p id="oK566e"><strong>Name:</strong> Nakobe Dean</p>
<p id="Xc9w10"><strong>Position:</strong> Off-the-ball linebacker</p>
<p id="5TCPgi"><strong>School:</strong> Georgia (Junior)</p>
<p id="riMLbo"><strong>Opening day age:</strong> 21</p>
<p id="MbNdOT"><strong>2021 season:</strong> 15 games; 72 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss; 6 sacks, 2 forced fumbles; 2 interceptions (1 touchdown)</p>
<p id="ECjuwC"><strong>Size:</strong> 5112, 229 lbs, 31 7/8 arm, 76 1/8 wingspan, 9 1/8 hand</p>
<p id="bp64M4"><strong>Expected round:</strong> Late 1st</p>
<p id="1bsppv"><strong>Strengths:</strong> Dean is a heat-seeking missile. He constantly flies around the ball and has serious sideline-to-sideline range at the second level; he is an impact player both in coverage against running backs or tight ends and when used to defend perimeter runs. His fluid lower body and ability to find the direct angles to the ball-carrier allow him to make plays when attacking downhill or dropping back into coverage zones or man-to-man responsibilities.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">You cannot get away from Nakobe Dean <a href="https://t.co/d43yyorEWn">pic.twitter.com/d43yyorEWn</a></p>— Laurie Fitzpatrick (@LaurieFitzptrck) <a href="https://twitter.com/LaurieFitzptrck/status/1517190810755870722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2022</a>
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<p id="mw9ATC">Dean is not only playing fast, he also has the processor to follow suit. He quickly recognizes play designs, and has outstanding read-and-react skills as well an instinctual feel for the game and how opposing offenses operate. His timing on blitzes is superb, and he hardly is caught out of position because of his quick recovery and smooth hips; he opens and closes without wasting any motion which allows him to redirect in an instant.</p>
<p id="Zg9oAB">Additionally, Dean has proven himself a durable player at a physical position. He started all 25 of Georgia’s games since being elevated to the starter level ahead of his sophomore campaign. He also showed some encouraging growth between his freshman, sophomore and junior seasons, getting better each year. Furthermore, Dean has been praised as a smart player and team leader; he was voted a team captain last year.</p>
<p id="ucvdDB"><strong>Weaknesses:</strong> No evaluation of Dean would be complete without talking about his size. It’s simple: at 5-foot-11, 229 pounds he is too small to become an every-down linebacker. As a result of those limitations, he has a harder time taking on blocks or getting open once engaged. He needs to win with technique, speed and angles in order to consistently get by bigger and stronger blockers in front of him both at the line of scrimmage and in space.</p>
<p id="4PAI3z">His lack of length also is a factor in coverage. Tight ends in particular can out-reach him when matched up one-on-one. He can take them down quickly or close in, but will not out-jump a 6-foot-5 player on a jump ball over the middle.</p>
<p id="6dfOEn"><strong>What would be his role?</strong> Dean was used primarily off the ball at Georgia, and he will be employed in a similar fashion at the next level. In New England, he would either serve as a weakside linebacker in 4-2 fronts or the lone off-the-ball defender in 5-1 alignments. His size restrictions limit his value on early downs and running plays, but he would be a core member of nickel and dime looks — possibly as the on-field signal caller — as well as the Patriots’ kick coverage units.</p>
<p id="JJfNga"><strong>Does he have positional versatility?</strong> While his athleticism is enticing, Dean’s versatility is limited. 87.8 percent of his defensive snaps in 2021, for example, came off the ball; for comparison, he played on the line of scrimmage only 4.2 percent of the time. He does have some scheme flexibility, though, and can successfully play in both zone and man coverage shells.</p>
<p id="SH4aLh"><strong>Who is his competition?</strong> Depending on how the Patriots plan to use him, Dean’s competition for playing time — his roster spot would not be in question — would primarily be the passing game personnel at the linebacker and safety spots; specifically Mack Wilson, Raekwon McMillan, Cameron McGrone and Jabrill Peppers. The highest-upside option among them, Dean would see regular action from early on, though.</p>
<p id="7QKzdh"><strong>Why the Patriots?</strong> New England’s director of player personnel Matt Groh said it himself, the linebacker position is changing. Dean is the modern-day prototype, and as such would help the team’s defense address two of its biggest needs: a lack of speed and a lack of youth at the second level. Dean may not fit conventional size standards used by the Patriots, but his abilities as a playmaker coming from one of the top programs in the country are without question.</p>
<p id="5geHwQ"><strong>Why not the Patriots?</strong> The Patriots have had some smaller linebackers before, but Dean is in a different category. He has the skillset of, and is built like, a safety. Therein might lie a problem from New England’s point of view: the team has multiple safety/linebacker hybrids on its roster already — Adrian Phillips, Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers — and does not really have a need for another player of that skillset.</p>
<p id="0jWYnO"><strong>Verdict:</strong> Dean is a popular mock draft pick for the Patriots, and for good reason. He checks plenty of boxes and is an exciting player to watch who would help the team adapt its linebacker corps to the challenges of the pro game in 2022. However, there are some serious questions about his fit on a defense that traditionally has preferred its linebackers on the bigger side to help against the run. Dean offers little in that area, and projects to make his impact primarily on passing downs. It would not be too big a surprise if New England decided that such a skillset is not worth a first-round investment, unless the team is indeed willing to fully transform the position group.</p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2022/4/26/23042335/2022-patriots-draft-profile-nakobe-dean-linebacker-georgiaBernd Buchmasser2022-04-25T06:00:00-04:002022-04-25T06:00:00-04:00Patriots draft profile: Kaiir Elam could be the CB1 New England’s defense is missing
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Gasparilla Bowl-Florida at Central Florida" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/h2aqVN_Licxboom2T6WDMYSBkB4=/476x36:2480x1372/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70789287/usa_today_17427905.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p><strong>Related:</strong> <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/2022/4/22/23036488/2022-patriots-draft-profile-christian-harris-alabama">Patriots draft profile: Christian Harris could be the next Alabama linebacker headed to New England</a></p> <p id="G5RoMq">The days of Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson forming arguably the best cornerback tandem in the NFL are long gone. Right now, the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a>’ depth chart at the position is led by serviceable-but-non-shutdown-caliber Jalen Mills and a big question mark in the form of either Malcolm Butler or Terrance Mitchell opposite him.</p>
<p id="L9Li4U">The Patriots will probably be able to survive with that cast of characters atop the depth chart — in part due to a deep safety group that will help mix up looks — but history has shown that they are at their best when they have a shutdown cornerback guarding the outside. Finding one of those at this point in the process will be difficult, but the upcoming draft does offer some candidates.</p>
<p id="hqd2xe">We already looked at the likes of early-round prospects <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/2022/4/12/23021785/2022-patriots-draft-profile-trent-mc-duffie-cornerback-washington">Trent McDuffie</a>, <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/2022/2/28/22953945/2022-patriots-nfl-draft-profile-andrew-booth-jr-clemson-cornerback">Andrew Booth Jr.</a>, <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/2022/3/23/22991126/2022-patriots-nfl-draft-profile-kyler-gordon-washington-cornerback">Kyler Gordon</a> and <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/2022/4/7/23011670/2022-patriots-draft-profile-roger-mccreary-cornerback-auburn">Roger McCreary</a>, so let’ add another player to the mix.</p>
<p id="Cntr0l"><strong>Name:</strong> Kaiir Elam</p>
<p id="Xc9w10"><strong>Position:</strong> Outside cornerback</p>
<p id="5TCPgi"><strong>School:</strong> Florida (Junior)</p>
<p id="riMLbo"><strong>Opening day age:</strong> 21</p>
<p id="MbNdOT"><strong>2021 season:</strong> 10 games; 29 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss; 36 targets, 19 catches, 191 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception</p>
<p id="ECjuwC"><strong>Size:</strong> 6014, 191 lbs, 30 7/8 arm length, 76 1/2 wingspan, 8 7/8 hand size</p>
<p id="bp64M4"><strong>Expected round:</strong> Late 1st/Early 2nd</p>
<p id="1bsppv"><strong>Strengths:</strong> If you had to draw an outside cornerback from scratch, he probably would look a lot like Elam. Standing at 6-foot-1, 191 pounds with sufficiently long arms and the necessary speed to fly down the sidelines, he is well-built to take over a starting role early in his career. Elam uses his speed well to mirror opposing wide receivers through their patterns or fly down to help out in run support or against screen passes.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Fluid athlete and mover at 6’1”+ 195+ and fits a lot of what the Patriots typically look for in their corners in terms of size/ability to excel in man. <a href="https://t.co/vR7reU2xSv">pic.twitter.com/vR7reU2xSv</a></p>— Ryan Spagnoli (@Ryan_Spags) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ryan_Spags/status/1500827229885972480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2022</a>
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<p id="WTlC6D">One of Elam’s most intriguing traits is his physicality at the line of scrimmage. He is a press-man cornerback through and through, and while his hands are a bit on the smaller side he knows how to use them to get into receivers and impede them at the stem of their routes. While not the quickest of cornerbacks, he is a fluid enough mover; combine his baseline athleticism and press-man mindset and you get a ready-made NFL player.</p>
<p id="eujarS">On top of it all, Elam has also shown a knack for the football. A former high school wide receiver, he was able to break up 26 passes in his 35 games as a Gator. His interception numbers did go down each of his three years in school — from three to two to one — but he knows how to attack the football and win contested catches.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here’s Elam on Jameson Williams early in the year. Technical corner that flashes his WR skills in coverage. He’s an island corner. <a href="https://t.co/rHeEZ8og16">pic.twitter.com/rHeEZ8og16</a></p>— Ryan Spagnoli (@Ryan_Spags) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ryan_Spags/status/1500827225662316550?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2022</a>
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<p id="ucvdDB"><strong>Weaknesses:</strong> As noted above, Elam is not the quickest cornerback prospect. His three-cone (6.98) and short shuttle times (4.21) are a bit on the slower side, and he is a bit slow to come down when playing over the top to keep everything in front of him. Comeback routes or stop-and-go patterns might become a problem at the next level unless Elam learns to fully trust his positioning in man coverage.</p>
<p id="fuymvW">The 20-year-old also played needlessly aggressive at times. Appearing in 10 games during the 2021 season, he was flagged seven times. Four of those penalties were holding infractions, with two pass interference flags thrown against him as well.</p>
<p id="6dfOEn"><strong>What would be his role?</strong> The Patriots need a CB1, and Elam has all the tools to develop into just that at the next level. He would take over as a starter-level perimeter cornerback in New England’s defense and likely be matched up against the opposing X-receiver most of the time. He is better suited to take on bigger receivers due to his strength and size, but has the physicality at the line of scrimmage to make life hard for smaller speedsters as well.</p>
<p id="JJfNga"><strong>Does he have positional versatility?</strong> As a junior in 2022, “only” 72 percent of Elam’s defensive snaps saw him aligned on the outside of the formation. His value at the next level lies there, but he has also shown that he can move into the slot and/or closer to the box. He is no Roger McCreary in terms of positional flexibility, but he is also no one-trick pony either. Furthermore, Elam is scheme-versatile: he is best as a press-man cornerback but can play in zone concepts as well — something he regularly did during his time at Florida.</p>
<p id="SH4aLh"><strong>Who is his competition?</strong> As a likely Day 1 or early Day 2 selection, Elam would not face any competition for a roster spot. As far as playing time is concerned, he would go up against the aforementioned Malcolm Butler and Terrance Mitchell as well as fellow boundary cornerbacks Joejuan Williams and Shaun Wade. Elam would be expected to win that competition and earn a starting gig right away.</p>
<p id="7QKzdh"><strong>Why the Patriots?</strong> There’s the obvious: J.C. Jackson’s free agency departure created a massive hole in New England’s defensive lineup, and filling it with a highly talented player such as Elam makes plenty of sense. The Florida prospect also has shown that he can hold his own against the top competition in the country, building a first-round résumé in three seasons in the SEC. Elam’s skillset, even more so than his athletic numbers, also fits with what the team is looking for at an outside cornerback with starter-level upside.</p>
<p id="5geHwQ"><strong>Why not the Patriots?</strong> Besides the fact that the Patriots simply might not be in a position to draft Elam — he is projected to come off the board right in between their first- and second-round picks — there are also some questions surrounding him. Short-area quickness is not his strong suit, while his 10 bench press reps at the scouting combine were among the lowest at the position. His high number of penalties is a concern as well.</p>
<p id="0jWYnO"><strong>Verdict:</strong> Speaking strictly in terms of testing and game tape, there are some better fits at the cornerback position for the Patriots such as Andrew Booth Jr. or Kyler Gordon. However, that does not mean Elam cannot be a productive player in New England’s system: he has the physicality and size to become a very good press-man cornerback capable of standing his ground on an island as a true CB1. Given the team’s versatile secondary as a whole, Elam as a big matchup-specific outside cornerback would have considerable value.</p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2022/4/25/23040674/2022-patriots-draft-profile-kaiir-elam-cornerback-floridaBernd Buchmasser2022-04-22T06:00:00-04:002022-04-22T06:00:00-04:00Patriots draft profile: Christian Harris could be the next Alabama linebacker headed to New England
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<img alt="University of Alabama vs University of Miami, 2021 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rusSjYf2QqH0mCKi7VP1mcr0txg=/1396x268:3258x1509/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70779667/1235130367.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Set Number: X163783 TK1</figcaption>
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<p><strong>Related:</strong> <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/2022/4/21/23033928/2022-patriots-draft-profile-zion-johnson-boston-college">Patriots draft profile: Zion Johnson would be a long-term solution at guard</a></p> <p id="G5RoMq">Death, taxes, and the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> being linked to players from the University of Alabama. While wide receivers Jameson Williams, John Metchie and Slade Bolden are most frequently mentioned, the most realistic target might be somebody else entirely: linebacker Christian Harris.</p>
<p id="kLQNEh">On the surface, the Patriots going after Harris makes all the sense in the world. They need to upgrade their linebacker room, after all, and he offers plenty of upside to give the group a much-needed boost in 2022 and beyond. Furthermore, he has plenty of traits that the team is placing a high value at.</p>
<p id="GvgXaf">So, let’s take a look at him.</p>
<p id="Cntr0l"><strong>Name:</strong> Christian Harris</p>
<p id="Xc9w10"><strong>Position:</strong> Off-the-ball linebacker</p>
<p id="5TCPgi"><strong>School:</strong> Alabama (Junior)</p>
<p id="riMLbo"><strong>Opening day age:</strong> 21</p>
<p id="MbNdOT"><strong>2021 season:</strong> 15 games; 79 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss; 5.5 sacks; 2 forced fumbles</p>
<p id="ECjuwC"><strong>Size:</strong> 6004, 226 lbs, 32 1/8 arm, 76 3/4 wingspan, 9 5/8 hand</p>
<p id="bp64M4"><strong>Expected round:</strong> 2nd</p>
<p id="1bsppv"><strong>Strengths:</strong> Harris is built like a modern day linebacker, and has the sideline-to-sideline range to make an impact in the passing game. A former high school wide receiver and defensive back, his lateral mobility and range are impressive; he fluidly opens and closes his hips to change direction while also possessing good short-area burst and closing speed to hang with opposing tight ends and running backs in coverage.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Explosive and powerful LB that can take on blocks and get after the passer. True do-it-all LB that fits exactly what the Patriots are looking for to improve their LB’s speed and athleticism. <a href="https://t.co/nlFxj3ktxF">pic.twitter.com/nlFxj3ktxF</a></p>— Ryan Spagnoli (@Ryan_Spags) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ryan_Spags/status/1491042512454123523?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2022</a>
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<p id="W0XojO">His athletic skillset also makes him a factor when attacking downhill either as a pass rusher or versus the run. Harris violently flies downhill, but he also has the necessary wiggle to elude blockers and get to his target. He is a true do-it-all defender, who has the upside to become a three-down linebacker at the next level and align all over the front seven.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">His coverage skills are what sets him apart at the position but don’t sleep on his ability to play the run. Physical, downhill LB that can take on blocks and make plays against the run. Ideal fit for this <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Patriots?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Patriots</a> defense. <a href="https://t.co/20QL9lWomn">pic.twitter.com/20QL9lWomn</a></p>— Ryan Spagnoli (@Ryan_Spags) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ryan_Spags/status/1491042513867915264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2022</a>
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<p id="ZqQY6y">Harris also has plenty of experience, and has been praised for his intelligence and coachability. Despite his position change upon arriving in Tuscaloosa, he went on to start 12 of 13 games as a true freshman; over the next two seasons he added 28 more starts to his résumé.</p>
<p id="1dcxzb"><strong>Weaknesses:</strong> While it at least appears the Patriots are open to changing their approach to linebacker acquisition and adapting to recent trends at the position, only time will tell how committed they truly are. Judged against the historical precedent the team has had, however, Harris is undersized at 6-foot-0, 226 pounds.</p>
<p id="ka36dg">His size is what it is, but there are other weaknesses to his game as well. Harris, for example, has struggled with consistency during his three years with the Crimson Tide. His tackling is up and down, and he has allowed too many players to escape his grasp; in 2021, Harris missed almost 19 percent of his tackle attempts — a number that is not anywhere good enough against NFL competition. He also is on/off at applying pass rush moves.</p>
<p id="9OL5ZK">He also trusts his athleticism and instincts too much at times, opening up lanes as a result. Harris needs to learn to read his keys more consistently rather than just reacting to what he believes is happening. Furthermore, his development plateaued a bit during his college career: he was a freshman starter and appeared destined to become the next star linebacker coming through the program; he never really reached that level consistently.</p>
<p id="6dfOEn"><strong>What would be his role?</strong> Harris has the skillset to play multiple positions, but he would serve primarily as an off-the-ball Mike linebacker at the next level. Playing in the middle of the defense would allow him to use his range as a second-level defender versus both the run and especially the pass. His ceiling is that of a three-down linebacker.</p>
<p id="JJfNga"><strong>Does he have positional versatility?</strong> Versatility is one of Harris’ most appealing attributes. The 21-year-old already played a somewhat flexible role in Alabama’s pro-style defense: the majority of his snaps came off the ball but he was also moved onto the line of scrimmage on occasion. The expectation is that his growth into a jack of all trades will continue at the next level.</p>
<p id="SH4aLh"><strong>Who is his competition?</strong> Harris would be a lock to make the roster based on his draft status, but his playing time would depend on his growth as a tackler relative to the performances by other linebackers of his type currently under contract. Those players are fellow Alabama product Mack Wilson as well as Raekwon McMillan and Cameron McGrone.</p>
<p id="7QKzdh"><strong>Why the Patriots?</strong> New England needs to get more speed and playmaking ability onto the field, and Harris offers both while still being at a relatively early stage in his development. He is a modern linebacker and possesses serious starter-level upside, and would give the Patriots a player to build around for the future.</p>
<p id="5geHwQ"><strong>Why not the Patriots?</strong> New England made some recent investments in the position, including adding the aforementioned Wilson, McMillan and McGrone; the club also continues to stockpile versatile safeties capable of playing in the box. Harris’ upside significant but one has to wonder whether the team truly sees a need given the players it already has on its roster. If those are trusted to play on a high level, there is no need to draft Harris.</p>
<p id="0jWYnO"><strong>Verdict:</strong> The Patriots need to improve their defense at all three levels, and Harris would allow them to add long-term potential at the cost of a Day 2 selection. He makes sense as an addition to the team’s defense given his skillset and background, but a lot depends on how the team views its current linebacker and safety group: New England not drafting Harris (or a similar player) could be a seen as a good sign for the players under contract at the moment.</p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2022/4/22/23036488/2022-patriots-draft-profile-christian-harris-alabamaBernd Buchmasser2022-04-21T06:00:00-04:002022-04-21T06:00:00-04:00Patriots draft profile: Zion Johnson would be a long-term solution at guard
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<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 20 Florida State at Boston College" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OG72unfm0gCXeT0gj7DjXbKOWn8=/96x60:2553x1698/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70775066/1236742539.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p><strong>Related:</strong> <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/2022/4/20/23032794/2022-patriots-draft-profile-neil-farrell-jr-lsu-defensive-tackle">Patriots draft profile: Neil Farrell Jr. might be the nose tackle New England needs</a></p> <p id="G5RoMq">Few if any position groups on the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a>’ roster performed on as high a level in 2021 as the offensive line. Despite the group playing on a high level in both pass protection and run blocking, however, the Patriots have entered a rebuilding process up front.</p>
<p id="ecO68V">Left guard Ted Karras left the team in free agency to sign a three-year contract with the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a>. One day later, right guard Shaq Mason was traded to the <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick. While third-year man Michael Onwenu will likely take over one of the starting spots — the expectation is that he will succeed Mason at right guard — the other is virtually unoccupied at the moment.</p>
<p id="fMU1iR">So, unless the Patriots want to head into the season with James Ferentz as the frontrunner to earn the starting gig, something has to change. Luckily for the Patriots, the draft features plenty of starter-level guards.</p>
<p id="jAU7gT">One of them spent the final three years of his college career just 17 miles from Gillette Stadium.</p>
<p id="Cntr0l"><strong>Name:</strong> Zion Johnson</p>
<p id="Xc9w10"><strong>Position:</strong> Guard/Tackle</p>
<p id="5TCPgi"><strong>School:</strong> Boston College (RS-Senior)</p>
<p id="riMLbo"><strong>Opening day age:</strong> 22</p>
<p id="MbNdOT"><strong>2021 season:</strong> 12 games; 6 quarterback pressures allowed (1 sack, 2 hits, 3 hurries)</p>
<p id="ECjuwC"><strong>Size:</strong> 6025, 312 lbs, 34 arm, 82 3/8 wingspan, 10 5/8 hand</p>
<p id="bp64M4"><strong>Expected round:</strong> Late 1st</p>
<p id="1bsppv"><strong>Strengths:</strong> Measuring at just under 6-foot-3 and 312 pounds with long arms and big hands, Johnson has the baseline size to hold his own against NFL-caliber defensive linemen. He combines it with some tremendous lateral movement skills and some quick feet; Johnson has a solid anchor as well as the lower-body flexibility to mirror pass rushers without overextending or getting out of position. Getting past him is hard work.</p>
<p id="AkT3eG">Technically speaking, Johnson is at a very high level already. His hand placement in particular top-notch as well, and he knows how to move defenders out of their pass-rushing lanes. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">At this point, it would be surprising if <a href="https://twitter.com/BCFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCFootball</a> C/G Zion Johnson (<a href="https://twitter.com/_ZJ77?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@_ZJ77</a>) isn’t the first interior OL off the board in April. Why? Simple, it’s his stopping power. It just doesn’t get better than this strong inside hand:<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheDraftStartsInMOBILE?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheDraftStartsInMOBILE</a>™️ <a href="https://t.co/qS4TH1P3Wb">pic.twitter.com/qS4TH1P3Wb</a></p>— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) <a href="https://twitter.com/JimNagy_SB/status/1498279814662438912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2022</a>
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<p id="h7r69U">Johnson also is good at reaching the second level in the running game and identifying his targets when on the move. He is very fluid in his lower half, which allows him to find success both in zone and man-blocking schemes. He has also been described as a quick learner and very coachable player.</p>
<p id="2vpcsZ">Johnson also is a very durable and experienced player: he did not miss any of his 58 college games between his stints at Davidson (2017-18) and Boston College (2019-21). At B.C. he was voted a team captain in each of his final two years.</p>
<p id="1dcxzb"><strong>Weaknesses:</strong> Johnson has a sturdy base, but his upper body could use some more strength to allow him to consistently win against NFL competition. At the moment, his reliance on his lower half leads to him leaning into his competition rather than delivering straight blows. Quicker players may be able to exploit this and cause some balance issues at the point of attack.</p>
<p id="6dfOEn"><strong>What would be his role?</strong> Johnson is a Day 1 starting guard at the NFL level, with the versatility and experience to serve as an emergency tackle as well if need be. In New England, he would likely take over the left guard position previously held by Ted Karras.</p>
<p id="JJfNga"><strong>Does he have positional versatility?</strong> While he will have a set position at the next level, Johnson does have the versatility to play multiple spots along the offensive line. He projects as a left guard, but has started games at both tackle spots as well during his career at Davidson and Boston College. He furthermore spent some time at the Senior Bowl working on his center skills.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Boston College OL Zion Johnson, the top graded guard in the draft, staying after <a href="https://twitter.com/seniorbowl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@seniorbowl</a> practice working on his center skills. This is what NFL scouts are looking for.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheDraftStartsInMOBILE?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheDraftStartsInMOBILE</a>™️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BestoftheBest?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BestoftheBest</a> <a href="https://t.co/d5j1YiH3in">pic.twitter.com/d5j1YiH3in</a></p>— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) <a href="https://twitter.com/JimNagy_SB/status/1488967937025265667?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2022</a>
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<p id="SH4aLh"><strong>Who is his competition?</strong> Not counting Michael Onwenu, who can be locked into one starting role, the Patriots currently have James Ferentz, William Sherman, Arlington Hambright, Drew Desjarlais and Yasir Durant as the candidates to fill the other. Johnson leapfrogging them immediately to take over as a starter has to be expected. His roster spot in general would be save due to his status as a first-rounder.</p>
<p id="7QKzdh"><strong>Why the Patriots?</strong> With quarterback Mac Jones entering his crucial second season in the NFL, surrounding him with the most talent possible is paramount. Right now, that is not the case: the hole at guard is a worrisome one. Johnson would be able to fill it from Day 1, and serve as a long-term solution at the position.</p>
<p id="5geHwQ"><strong>Why not the Patriots?</strong> New England has shown that it can turn lower-drafted players into contributors along the offensive line, and there are other intriguing candidates available in this draft as well. The drop-off at other positions such as cornerback or defensive tackle is more drastic than it is at guard.</p>
<p id="0jWYnO"><strong>Verdict:</strong> Unless the draft falls in an unfavorable way, the Patriots drafting Johnson with the 21st overall selection does not appear to be the best-case scenario from the team’s perspective. Obviously, though, it all depends on how the board develops. And if Johnson is the best-rated player available at the point New England picks — either at 21 or following a trade-down — he would offer the team a pro-ready player capable of starting right away.</p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2022/4/21/23033928/2022-patriots-draft-profile-zion-johnson-boston-collegeBernd Buchmasser2022-04-20T06:00:00-04:002022-04-20T06:00:00-04:00Patriots draft profile: Neil Farrell Jr. might be the nose tackle New England needs
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<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: OCT 09 LSU at Kentucky" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mcaHvMa1qt1tgOvPRZTwcr7Ap6k=/0x176:3235x2333/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70770313/1235862402.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p><strong>Related:</strong> <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/2022/4/19/23030364/2022-patriots-draft-profile-george-pickens-wide-receiver-georgia">Patriots draft profile: Georgia wide receiver George Pickens has ‘value’ written all over him</a></p> <p id="G5RoMq">The <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> made some major investments along their defensive line last offseason, but the unit still had its ups and downs. Those were on display especially versus the run, with the group failing to consistently clog lanes regardless whether it faced man- or zone-blocking concepts.</p>
<p id="piuRhd">One of the issues was the absence of a traditional nose tackle on the roster, a problem that has plagued the Patriots ever since they lost Danny Shelton — who measures at 6-foot-2, 345 pounds — during the 2020 offseason. New England tried to use comparatively undersized players such as Davon Godchaux or Carl Davis as 0-techniques, but they were better suited to play elsewhere on the line.</p>
<p id="uwXElB">There are not a lot of players in this year’s draft to offer Shelton-like size, but one candidate who is coming close is LSU’s Neil Farrell Jr.</p>
<p id="Cntr0l"><strong>Name:</strong> Neil Farrell Jr.</p>
<p id="Xc9w10"><strong>Position:</strong> Defensive tackle</p>
<p id="5TCPgi"><strong>School:</strong> LSU (RS-Senior)</p>
<p id="riMLbo"><strong>Opening day age:</strong> 24</p>
<p id="MbNdOT"><strong>2021 season:</strong> 1 games; 45 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss; 2 sacks</p>
<p id="ECjuwC"><strong>Size:</strong> 6041, 330 lbs, 32 1/4 arm, 77 3/8 wingspan, 10 1/8 hand</p>
<p id="bp64M4"><strong>Expected round:</strong> 4th</p>
<p id="1bsppv"><strong>Strengths:</strong> Farrell Jr. offers impressive size along the interior defensive line and also has some potential to add more bulk: after measuring at 6-foot-4, 330 pounds at the Scouting Combine, he checked in at 339 at his pro day five weeks later. His ideal playing weight might be around 345 when all is said and done (which would make him the biggest defensive tackle on the Patriots’ roster).</p>
<p id="33hG3u">His size and solid anchor allows Farrell Jr. to successfully two-gap and eat space in the running game. He displays some good lateral movement skills when tracking the flow of the play, but also has a surprisingly quick first step to penetrate through the hole. Additionally, he has the upper-body strength to consistently hold his position along the line of scrimmage.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Good scouts are always focused on what a player CAN do rather than what they can’t do. Few prospects in this draft are more consistent at what they do best than <a href="https://twitter.com/LSUfootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LSUfootball</a> DT Neil Farrell Jr. is eating up blocks and clogging inside run lanes.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheDraftStartsInMOBILE?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheDraftStartsInMOBILE</a>™️ <a href="https://t.co/Ln4BX3ugAV">pic.twitter.com/Ln4BX3ugAV</a></p>— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) <a href="https://twitter.com/JimNagy_SB/status/1511452561781497858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2022</a>
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<p id="1dcxzb"><strong>Weaknesses:</strong> While he has a sturdy build, Farrell Jr. lacks truly elite length which might limit his effectiveness against NFL-level linemen as well as his ability to reach ball-carriers outside his frame. He also is not the most nimble-footed athlete; his short-area quickness in particular is a concern after he ran the slowest three-cone drill at the Combine at 8.41 seconds.</p>
<p id="No2Xoc">His lack of mobility and length limits his upside as a pass rusher. The same is true for his pad level; he has shown that he can anchor well and keep his shoulders down upon initiating contact, but needs to get more consistent.</p>
<p id="4DKSZQ">Inconsistency in general hurt him throughout his college career. While he produced a quality redshirt senior season at LSU, he was up and down the previous four years and never quite put it all together. The question is whether or not 2021 was an outlier, or an encouraging step in the right direction?</p>
<p id="6dfOEn"><strong>What would be his role?</strong> Farrell Jr. projects as a rotational interior defensive lineman at the next level, capable of standing his ground when asked to play in a two-gap scheme like New England’s. While his value lies primarily on early downs and in short-yardage situations based on his performance at LSU, he did show some solid pass-rush moves as well during the Senior Bowl.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">It’s easy to watch <a href="https://twitter.com/LSUfootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LSUfootball</a> tape and project DT Neil Farrell Jr. as a factor on early-downs but it’s reps like this one from <a href="https://twitter.com/seniorbowl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@seniorbowl</a> 1-on-1’s that have NFL teams thinking <a href="https://twitter.com/realspillneil?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realspillneil</a> might have untapped pass rush ability. Wins w/ quick hands here vs future NFL starter. <a href="https://t.co/Z0QoASbUL8">pic.twitter.com/Z0QoASbUL8</a></p>— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) <a href="https://twitter.com/JimNagy_SB/status/1511452621000822797?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2022</a>
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<p id="JJfNga"><strong>Does he have positional versatility?</strong> While his size limits his versatility, Farrell Jr. regularly moved between the A- and the B-gaps in LSU’s four-man front. He also played a handful of snaps aligned over the opposing offensive tackle, but one has to wonder whether an NFL team will try to groom him in one specific position first before trying to expand his responsibilities. What he can do early on is perform on field goal and extra point blocking units.</p>
<p id="SH4aLh"><strong>Who is his competition?</strong> Unless he comes off the board lower than expected, Farrell Jr. would be a safe bet to make New England’s roster. And considering that the team currently has no player under contract offering a similar size to serve as an early-down space eater, he would face limited competition as well.</p>
<p id="7QKzdh"><strong>Why the Patriots?</strong> As noted above, the Patriots have been looking for a big-bodied interior lineman ever since losing Danny Shelton. While Davon Godchaux has shown plenty of promise in 2021, he is no true nose and neither is any other player on the current roster. Farrell Jr. would therefore allow New England to continue its tradition of stout D-linemen capable of shutting down the interior particularly in the run game.</p>
<p id="5geHwQ"><strong>Why not the Patriots?</strong> If the Patriots want to go space eater in the draft, there is another prospect with a lot more polish and upside available: Georgia’s Jordan Davis would be a tremendous fit along the New England interior defensive line. If the team goes after him in the first round, there would not be a need for any other tackles later. Furthermore, the team might decide to go after even bigger players — Idaho’s Noah Elliss (6-4, 346) or Kentucky’s Marquan McCall (6-2, 354) come to mind — in one of the later rounds.</p>
<p id="0jWYnO"><strong>Verdict:</strong> Farrell Jr. may not be as big as some of the other defensive tackles available in this year’s draft, or offer as much upside, but he might offer the best combination of size, upside and value. If the Patriots do not get Jordan Davis in Round 1, drafting Farrell Jr. early on the third day would be a solid addition. Davis is a significantly better prospect, but the 23-year-old would be a solid consolation prize and might just become the nose tackle New England needs.</p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2022/4/20/23032794/2022-patriots-draft-profile-neil-farrell-jr-lsu-defensive-tackleBernd Buchmasser