Patriots' Top 50 Big Board For 2020 NFL Draft
The time has finally come to release the New England Patriots' big board with the 50 best players for their team in 2020 NFL Draft.
This list was generated from lots of film study and analytical analysis. These top 50 players not only appear to be strong football players with a bright future, but also fit the needs of the Patriots and fit their scheme.
Here are the top 50 players:
50. Jalen Elliott, S
Jalen Elliott is someone who has been talked about a good deal on this site. He can be deployed in certain coverage packages and hold his own real well here. A later round chess piece in the secondary that could be really valuable.
49. Danny Pinter, OL
A jack of all trades but a master of none. Danny Pinter will slide later in the draft for lacking a true position on the offensive line. None the less, he can wear many hats, filling in for constantly injured New England lineman.
48. A.J. Dillon, RB
Here is an explosive, fast, giant back. A.J. Dillon fits the Patriots' running scheme perfectly. With a healthy offensive line and James Develin lead-blocking, Dillon can bowl right ahead into the second and third tier of a defense and be hard to take down.
47. Bryan Edwards, WR
Bryan Edwards ranked below Jauan Jennings might surprise some people. Edwards is someone I am lower on than most because of his lack of speed and athleticism. None the less, he fits a pattern for the type of receiver the Patriots generally pursue.
46. Lynn Bowden, ATH
Lynn Bowden, position? Athlete. Many call him the next Taysom Hill. He can play receiver (primary spot), runningback, and quarterback. If he is there in the later rounds, he could easily be a pick to try and reshape the offense and bring new elements with Jarrett Stidham presumedly the guy at quarterback. Bowden is also an excellent returner. Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels could have a lot of fun with him.
45. Jauan Jennings, WR
Jauan Jennings is going to be one of the bigger steals at receiver in this draft as he is projected to go much later than most receivers. He is hard to take down, much like Jakobi Meyers. He is very raw, however, he has all the physical tools to succeed. Jennings is a solid prospect with a bright future.
44. Carter Coughlin, EDGE
Carter Coughlin has also been discussed a few times on this site. He fits New England's scheme really well. He could fill the void left by Kyle Van Noy. While he might not replace Van Noy's production, through proper development he could play the role of strong-side outside linebacker.
43. Javelin Guidry, CB
A speedy, quick sub-package corner. Guidry also has safety experience, which is a position of need for the Patriots. With J.C. Jackson's future uncertain and Stephon Gilmore, Jason McCourty both at or above 30 years old, it would be wise to snag another corner, just in case. One can never have too many.
42. Anthony Gordon, QB
Gordon is someone who will take some time to develop. However, he has real promise in New England's offensive scheme. He lit up the college football world statistically after he was required to throw the ball nearly 40+ times a game. He could compete with Stidham and Hoyer for the starting job during the preseason and training camp.
41. Markus Bailey, LB
Markus Bailey has reportedly been in contact with the Patriots during the pre-draft process. He's a player who had a solid college career when not labored by injuries. He would provide lots of explosiveness and versatility to a linebacker core that currently needs both traits, assuming he could stay on the field.
40. Jake Fromm, QB
Jake Fromm is currently QB3 on my board. He leapfrogs Hebert and Love, as he evades mistakes way more than those two players. Fromm - a game manager - could have a real chance to start games for the Patriots in 2020.
39. McTelvin Agim, DT
McTelvin Agim is a solid fit for the Patriots and a big sleeper on boards. As a pass-rushing defensive tackle, putting Agim side by side with Adam Butler on third downs would cause some frustration for interior offensive linemen. Speaking of Butler, his tender expires next offseason and Agim would be a solid replacement if Butler were to walk.
38. Dalton Keene, TE
Some have touted Dalton Keene as a tight end that has a lot of room to grow. He was underutilized at Virginia Tech, which will impact his stock. Yet, Keene has strong athleticism and provides lots after the catch. His play-style fits well in New England and he could develop into a really solid TE2 in this league.
37. Devin Asiasi, TE
Devin Asiasi will provide much more as a blocker than Keene. Both are likely TE2s at the next level. But Asiasi offers a lot more as a blocker, which gives him the edge. He compares to former Patriot Michael Hoomanawanui, and can be used similarly.
36. Cameron Dantzler, CB
Another guy that New England has reportedly had interest in is Cameron Danztler. He shares a couple similar traits to last year's second round pick, Joejuan Williams. A physical, press corner with strong technique.
35. Alex Highsmith, EDGE
Alex Highsmith is another fit in the the Patriots' 3-4 scheme. He's a guy who can ideally play outside linebacker at the next level and can use his speed and agility to win against offensive tackles. He has a lot of tools to be successful.
34. Josiah Deguara, TE
The Patriots have reportedly talked with Josiah Deguara, the third tight end on my board. There is a lot to be desired in his game, but he has plenty of room to grow. That being said, he could be a really solid pass-catcher and TE2.
33. Antonio Gibson, RB/WR
With one year remaining on James White's contract, the explosive Antonio Gibson has the receiving talent and versatility to go in and out of the backfield, which could peg him as White's replacement in 2021.
32. Tyler Biadasz, C/G
With so much uncertainty regarding David Andrews and his blood clots, taking Tyler Biadasz as a safety valve would be a solid option. Biadasz - with some time to develop - should become a starting caliber center in the NFL.
31. Julian Okwara, EDGE
Julian Okwara is another 3-4 scheme fit. He had some moments of utter dominance in college and maintains a real first round grade from PFF despite his outlook being more a third rounder. He could provide tremendous value to New England.
30. Terrell Burgess, S
Terrell Burgess has been discussed in depth by PatriotMaven before. He is someone who makes a lot of sense for the same reasons that Jalen Elliott makes a lot of sense. Burgess could be a part of tight man coverage out of sub packages to start his career. However, he does his job a lot better than Elliott.
29. Davon Hamilton, DT
Davon Hamilton is a true run-stopper. His power and run defense could help the Patriots shut down runningbacks like Derrick Henry in the future.
28. Jonah Jackson, G
Jonah Jackson is one of the more underrated prospects in this class. A really solid guard at Ohio State with real high quality pass-protection skills could provide a cushion to New England if the Joe Thuney contract negotiations go south.
27. Kenny Willekes, EDGE
Kenny Willekes is another great fit in the Patriots' defensive scheme. He possesses a high motor and draws comparisons to Rob Ninkovich. Willekes and Winovich would make a very nice pair off the edge.
26. Malik Harrison, LB
Malik Harrison is a physical blitzer and run defender with great size. He provides everything that Belichick generally looks for at the linebacker position.
25. Darrell Taylor, EDGE
Really good fit here for New England's defense. A solid pass rusher and edge-setter against the run, Darrell Taylor projects as a very nice pick for the Patriots' 3-4 outside linebacker spot.
24. Logan Wilson, LB
Logan Wilson is another old-fashion linebacker like Malik Harrison. Another guy who can defend the run really well and tackle in space. A really strong linebacker prospect.
23. Jack Driscoll, OT
Jack Driscoll is a right tackle with strong athleticism and technique. He would be a prime candidate to take over for Marcus Cannon, who is someone that struggled at times last year and has an exceedingly large contract due to restructures.
22. Antoine Winfield Jr., S
One of my favorite prospects in this draft, Antoine Winfield is a true field-general. Some have even bumped him up to the top safety in this class. He could play a similar role to Patrick Chung with the Patriots.
21. Grant Delpit, S
One of the most skilled man coverage safeties to come out of the draft in a little while is Grant Delpit. Delpit is sliding down draft boards, primarily for poor tackling. If a coach like Belichick can overlook this issue, he might get a real steal to add to an already stellar secondary in man coverage.
20. Cole Kmet, TE
Cole Kmet is a little bit of a project, especially when it comes to his blocking technique. That being said, he is still one of the best tight ends in this class and makes sense to succeed Rob Gronkowski and potentially develop into a TE1.
19. Curtis Weaver, EDGE
His pro comparison is Jabaal Sheard. While Curtis Weaver lacks in athleticism, he gets the job done with his hands and really dominates. A great scheme fit with a boatload of production in college.
18. Tyler Johnson, WR
Tyler Johnson is extremely undervalued by many scouts. While he is a top five route-runner in this class, no one seems to notice. He could become a red zone weapon for New England and make everyone regret they passed on him.
17. Matthew Peart, OT
Another right tackle with a little bit more going on than Driscoll. Matthew Peart of UConn should almost undoubtably be the heir to Cannon's throne and be the next starting right tackle for a while in New England.
16. Van Jefferson, WR
If it weren't for Jerry Jeudy, everyone would be talking about how Van Jefferson is the best route-runner in this class. While he will slide due to age and production concerns, he can do a lot of things that the current receiving group in New England can't.
15. Robert Hunt, OT
Robert Hunt is someone the Patriots have reportedly shown interest in. Understandably so; Hunt has potential Pro Bowl traits. A season developing behind Thuney and Shaq Mason would help him fulfill that potential.
14. Adam Trautman, TE
Adam Trautman will take some time to adjust from small school football. However, he is likely the best tight end in this class. Some more polish and he can blossom into a potential TE1.
13. K.J. Hill, WR
K.J Hill just makes so much sense. He's a guy that studies Julian Edelman's route-running and operates very similarly. He would fit the system well and be the replacement to an aging Edelman.
12. Terrell Lewis, LB
Terrell Lewis dominates off the edge. A true pass-rusher that fits that 3-4 outside linebacker mold. He is a great fit for what New England looks to do on defense.
11. Denzel Mims, WR
Denzel Mims has a catch radius that stretches across continents. He does a little bit of everything and had a tremendous combine. He needs more polish, but Mims and N'Keal Harry developing together is a fun idea to think about.
10. Josh Jones, OT
Josh Jones is the number one guy in the second tier of tackles this year, which in a normal draft - one that isn't stacked with star tackles - he might be the second or third tackle off the board. He has all the tools to make himself and Isaiah Wynn one of the best young tackle tandems in the league.
9. Kenneth Murray, LB
Kenneth Murray is a rangy, sideline to sideline linebacker with some ridiculous explosiveness. He would project as a real fun tool alongside Dont'a Hightower.
8. Cesar Ruiz, C
This is a center whose game I really like. Cesar Ruiz is the top center in the draft and could replace David Andrews, who is due for a contract extension next offseason.
7. Zack Baun, LB
Zack Baun is a guy who many are overthinking. Hopefully not the Patriots, as he has the promise, versatility, football IQ, and the potential to become the next Kyle Van Noy.
6. Patrick Queen, LB
Patrick Queen is a little undersized for a Belichick linebacker. That being said, some of his explosiveness and tools are too good to pass up. He can provide so much in pass coverage and he is only 21. Plenty of room to grow for Queen.
5. A.J Epenesa, EDGE
A.J Epenesa just makes too much sense. With a bad combine, he is now a likely second round prospect. He just does everything a New England defensive lineman is asked to do. The perfect Trey Flowers replacement. If the Patriots can trade back into the second round and grab him, it's a no-brainer.
4. Justin Jefferson, WR
Justin Jefferson is a stud of a receiver. He's a great route-runner with phenomenal body control and ball skills. He can move inside and out and runs a lot of the routes New England runs the most. A perfect fit and a no-brainer if available at 23.
3. K'Lavon Chaisson, EDGE
An explosive monster of an edge rusher. K'Lavon Chaisson is in the backfield seemingly every play. With the proper development, he would be the best pass rusher to come to the Patriots since Chandler Jones.
2. Tua Tagovailoa, QB
Tua Tagovailoa and the No. 1 player on this big board are likely guys that New England would need to trade up for in order to get. That being said, one never knows the way the board will fall, especially with Tagovailoa's injury history, he is considered a risky pick by some. However, he is the best quarterback in this draft that's not named Joe Burrow. His ability to put the ball on the money, manipulate coverages, scan the field, and throw with anticipation are top notch.
1. Jerry Jeudy, WR
Again, the chances Jerry Jeudy is available at 23 are slim, slim, slim. Yet, Jeudy is such a stud that if he falls (there's speculation he might) near the 20th pick, you have to go up and get him. A premier route-runner who reminds many of Amari Cooper would change the dynamic of the Patriots' receiving core that desperately needs a big name.
