NFL Scouting Combine Preview: Patriots Position Focus?
FOXBORO -- One of the key milestones in the 2023 NFL Draft cycle arrives on Feb. 28, when the annual Scouting Combine commences in Indianapolis.
For the New England Patriots, it may be an opportunity to add some much-needed talent along the offensive line, as well as the defensive front -- or perhaps in the secondary?
However, one of the nation's foremost draft experts is also advising Pats Nation to keep a sharp eye on the team potentially adding a premier pass-catcher.
Perhaps ... at tight end?
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah is certainly no stranger to this process. Having spent time with the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, and Philadelphia Eagles as a college scout, he has become one of football’s most well-respected analysts regarding the Combine, as well as the Draft. His insight continuously catches the attention of fans, media and front offices throughout the league.
Jeremiah joined several media members on Friday for a NFL Network media conference call, to preview both of the NFL’s marquee offseason events.
Though he provided valuable insight for most of the league’s teams, he had some interesting insight regarding the Patriots.
With the Patriots set to make their earliest selections at numbers 14 and 46 respectively, Jeremiah weighed in on who might be on New England’s radar heading into late April.
5 Patriots Fits:
While Jeremiah did not rank his selections, he strongly believes that the Patriots would be best served by adding some physicality to their roster in 2023. Per his assessment, these five players would look pretty good in Patriot blue for the foreseeable future.
OT Peter Skoronski, Northwestern
CB Devon Witherspoon, Illinois
EDGE Keion White, Georgia Tech
EDGE Lukas Van Ness, Iowa
OL Cody Mauch, North Dakota State
Patriots Country Analysis:
Overall, Jeremiah's projections fit the mold in Foxboro. New England likes its players to be scheme versatile. Each of the aforementioned players possess a unique skillset to make an immediate impact with the Pats.
With the Patriots' biggest need arguably at offensive tackle, Skoronski may be the Patriots top option at the position. His combination of speed and strength to resist opposing pass rushers make him an automatic fix for one of the team's most glaring weaknesses last season. Mauch is more of a Day Two selection, with the versatility to align at tackle, guard or center.
Though New England enjoyed a strong performance from its pass rush in 2022, a team can never have too much firepower. White blends imposing size with impressive athleticism; culminating in a prospect which is capable of aligning anywhere along the defensive line. Van Ness, a converted interior lineman, also provides a solid combination of speed and power along the edge.
Despite several analysts' infatuation with Oregon's Christian Gonzalez -- and. justifiably so -- Witherspoon may actually be the better fit for New England's glaring need for toughness at the catch point. Additionally, his ability to seek the ball in man coverage would allow him to thrive in Bill Belichick's defensive sets.
Wide Receiver:
Several local and national analysts have predicted the Pats to be in the market for a wide receiver; perhaps as early as the first round. New England is undoubtedly in need of depth at the position. However, the consensus among most is that the Pats would be best served in targeting a wideout to help the progression of quarterback Mac Jones.
Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba and TCU's Quentin Johnston have been popular Patriots mock draft selections. Yet, Jeremiah suggested that if New England is intent on upgrading their receiving corps, they would be smart to go 'all-in' on USC's Jordan Addison.
"I just would want the best overall guy, and that's in my opinion Jordan Addison,
Jeremiah said. "I think he is a complete route runner. I think he gives you bursts and explosiveness to make plays over the top, and I think he has outstanding hands."
Unfortunately, Addison's services are likely to be off the table by the time the Pats are scheduled to select at No. 14. He is currently ranked as the top wide receiver prospect by several national outlets.
Tight End:
Should the Patriots wish to swim against the current on Draft weekend, Jeremiah believes that New England could solve their pass-catching problems by drafting a tight end -- even as early as the first round.
By consensus, this positional grouping is as strong as it has been in several years. Notre Dame's Michael Mayer and Oregon State standout Luke Musgrave have garnered their share of media attention. Still, Jeremiah is most impressed with Utah's Dalton Kincaid.
"I think he is a bigtime player," Jeremiah remarked. "I think he is one of my favorite players to watch in this draft. I think he is one of the best players in the draft. He is just sudden in everything that he does. He separates. He is outstanding after the catch. You know, he can win on contact over the middle of the field. He is really, really good after the catch. You know, as a blocker, he is going to more shield you and wall off."
While loftily compared to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, or perhaps more realistically to Zach Ertz of the Arizona Cardinals, Kincaid is a natural pass catcher. Still, it should be noted that the Patriots typically prefer their tight ends to be more adept as blockers, particularly in-line. If New England is inclined to invest first-round capital on the position, their selection would probably support that prototype.
With much to watch, the Patriots scouting contingent will be quite busy over the next week as the Combine kicks off on Tuesday at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL and Listen/Subscribe to his daily podcast: Locked On Patriots
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