Patriots Draft Target? HBCU Prospect Compared to Defensive Rookie Of Year
The New England Patriots look to fill a need at linebacker in the upcoming 2022 NFL Draft. Putting an emphasis on a faster defense, new Patriots director of player personnel Matt Groh acknowledged the team’s desire to increase the productivity.
A prospect the Patriots could target in the later rounds is James Houston IV, an "edge" athlete with freakish versatility from Jackson State. Houston is considered one of the top FCS and HBCU prospects in this year’s draft class.
After three productive seasons at Florida, Houston transferred to play for coach Deion Sanders, who was dazzled by Houston's pass-rushing ability. Houston moved to defensive end and it resulted in 16.5 sacks and a first-team All-SWAC selection.
His adaptability prompted Sanders to make comparisons to NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Micah Parsons. The comparison to the Dallas Cowboy star is something that Houston does not take lightly. Blitzing is a strength of Houston, and he can relate to the disruptive Parsons. Houston studies Parsons' film - dating back to his college days at Penn State.
"He blitzes so much ... I analyze versatile players in the NFL to see how teams use them and see how they use their versatility to progress as players," Houston told our Bri Amaranthus. "Parsons is a great player. He did phenomenal this year and I cannot wait to see what he's got in the next couple years."
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At 6-1 and 225 pounds, Houston is a big, rangy player that uses his length to his advantage. During his pro day, the "hybrid" outside linebacker/defensive end posted a time of 4.6 seconds in the 40-yard dash, performed 22 bench-press repetitions and flashed a 39-inch vertical leap.
Houston is expected to be a third-day NFL draft pick. New England owns five selections in rounds 4-7 of the draft. If the Pats select Houston, he will become the first HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) player drafted since 2020.
"I know it's been a tough road for these HBCU guys - being able to get the credibility and acknowledgement of their body of work," Houston told Amaranthus. "Me - coming from Florida to an HBCU - showing that this is a route you can take that won't totally dismantle your whole career. I am happy to be that guy and kick those doors open."
The Patriots have several positions of need, outside of linebacker, most notably at guard, cornerback and wide receiver. The Patriots, who tied with the Miami Dolphins with the second-best odds (+400) to win the the AFC East, are looking to add talent that can contribute right away in order to usurp the Buffalo Bills as division champions. Getting the defense dominating again would go a long way in reaching that goal.
Regardless of whether it's first-round or undrafted, Houston is ready for any opportunity to show his talent at the next level.
"I'm a playmaker. I'm going to be in the backfield. I'm going to be a little chirpy," Houston said. "Once I step on the football field, all the other stuff - height, weight- it goes out the window. I'm ready to make a 53-man roster and take whoever's spot I have to take."
Houston certainly has the competitive appetite, versatile skill set and desire to succeed in the league. As Bill Belichick enters the 2022 season more hands-on than ever to cement his legacy by winning without Tom Brady, Houston could be an exciting prospect with immense upside to add to the roster.
