Patriots Pedigree: New England Hosting 2 Georgia Stars
From Bill Belichick's long-term relationship with Nick Saban, to new/old offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien, to current players such as Christian Barmore, Mac Jones and Mack Wilson, the New England Patriots have for years, in essence, used the University of Alabama as its personal farm system.
But with the University of Georgia's recent rise to power - winning the last two National Championships - comes a slight tweak of the pipeline from Foxboro to Tuscaloosa. The Patriots are still focused on the SEC, but more so the Bulldogs than the Crimson Tide.
Two former Georgia stars - offensive tackle Broderick Jones and linebacker Nolan Smith - were at Patriots headquarters on Thursday for pre-draft Top-30 visits. Both are projected to be first-round picks, and both fit New England needs at linebacker and along the offensive line.
The Pats have 11 picks in the April 27 NFL Draft, including No. 14 overall.
Smith was considered one of the biggest risers following the NFL Combine in February as he ran a 4.39 in the 40-yard and tested off the charts in several other areas. Jones, who has long been considered one of the best offensive tackles in his class, started the entire 2022 season at left tackle.
Even though the Pats didn't draft an Alabama player in 2022 and recently allowed former Crimson Tide running back Damien Harris to bolt to the AFC East-rival Buffalo Bills, the Belichick-Saban relationship will certainly survive the de facto general manager's sudden affection for another SEC team.
In fact, the Patriots in February brought in Alabama unheralded slot receiver Slade Bolden for a visit.
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