Patriots Scouting Combine Preview: 5 Players to Watch
With the NFL Scouting Combine set to begin on Tuesday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the New England Patriots are presumed to be among the most active organizations in attendance.
Over the next few days, hundreds of prospects will participate in testing [both physical and intellectual] in hopes of making a positive impression on several NFL teams — one of which may ultimately become their new home.
The Patriots are presently slated to make seven selections in April’s draft, including the No.3 overall pick. As a result, their activity will be under close watch. Among the Pats scouting contingent expected to be in attendance are director of player personnel Eliot Wolf and a handful of coaches, including Jerod Mayo — who despite errant reports to the contrary, is expected to arrive in Indianapolis for at least a portion of the week’s activities.
Western Kentucky receiver Malachi Corley
Credit: AP Photo/Butch Dill
Wolf is set to meet with reporters at 10 a.m. ET on Tuesday to officially kick off the week from a Patriots perspective.
Though many players are expected to garner some attention during the week’s events, the Pats will undoubtedly keep a sharp focus on offensive prospects. New England finished the 2023 campaign ranked No. 32 in scoring offense, averaging 13.9 points per game, while managing only 27 touchdowns.
While the collective eyes of Pats Nation will be focused on a new franchise quarterback, here are five players that could seriously enter the Patriots line of sight with a strong performance in Indianapolis.
Quarterback: Michael Penix, Jr., Washington
With top prospects Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels opting out of this week’s throwing showcase, and Drake Maye’s status uncertain, Penix has the chance to snag the quarterback spotlight. The Heisman finalist threw for 4,903 yards, 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2023. Still, his performance at the Senior Bowl largely failed to impress scouts. Though Penix turned in a handful of impressive throws —highlighted by a high-octane completion downfield to Michigan receiver Roman Wilson — he struggled with his consistency.
In order to reverse his recent slip in the draft rankings, Penix will need to quell the questions surrounding his ability to adapt to the pro level. During the second half of his 2023 campaign, he had some issues with accuracy and his footwork — leading to oftentimes simple missed connections with his receivers. Though his shoulder injury was likely a factor in his regression, Penix will need to show that he is both healthy and fundamentally prepared for the NFL. While it is of the highest improbability New England considers him with the No. 3 overall pick, he could be an option if the Pats package the pick to maximize their return on investment.
Offensive Tackle: Joe Alt, Notre Dame
If New England remains irresolute regarding the top three quarterback prospects, the chances of trading down probably increase by a factor of 10. Having already declined Trent Brown’s contract option, and growing pessimism surrounding the future of Mike Onwenu, the Pats are in need of a top-flight offensive tackle.
Alt is as close to a certain franchise cornerstone as there is. The 6-8, 315-pound tackle posses perhaps the most impressive blend of size, movement and body control of any o-line prospect in recent memory. Wihle Brown’s skill set was best utilized in a gap-heavy offensive scheme, Alt has the athleticism and strength to thrive in a zone-based system — the type which new offenisve coordinator Alex Van Pelt is expected to install. The Pats would have to invest a top-seven pick to secure his services. However, Alt’s physical prowess and cerebral acumen all but ensure a maximum return on investment.
Receiver: Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky
Corley is becoming a fast-riser on several Pariots draft boards due to his stellar ability to create yards after the catch. He also possesses a great deal of vertical speed allowing him to contribute on the perimeter as well as in the middle of the field. In addition to his run-after-catch prowess, Corley stands out based on his footwork and body control at the top of his routes. On several occasions, his ability to start-and-stop at the advent of his stride allowed him to create separation from his defenders. Last season, Corley caught 79 passes for 984 yards and 11 touchdowns. His solid performance at the Senior Bowl will not only increase the amount of attention he receives from NFL scouts, it will also make him worth the watch as a strong fit within Van Pelt’s offense in New England.
In the interest of adding another layer of Patriots interest, Corley had 73 receptions for 691 yards and seven touchdowns in 2021, while catching passes from fellow Western Kentucky alum — and current Patriots quarterback — Bailey Zappe.
Tight End: Jared Wiley, TCU
Having only LaMichael Pettway under contract for 2024, the Pats will have a need at tight end heading into both free agency and the Draft. At 6-7, 260, Wiley possesses both the size and the field awareness to succeed in multiple offensive systems — traits which he showcased during the American team’s practice on Tuesday. In his senior season with the Horned Frogs, he totaled 47 receptions for 520 yards and eight touchdowns. Wiley’s skill set best positions him as a Y tight end at the pro level, aligning slightly flexed away from the tackle. Should the Pats re-sign team captain Hunter Henry, Wiley could be a solid understudy, while gaining experience as an in-line blocker.
Running Back (Backfield Pass-Catcher): Will Shipley, Clemson
Though Rhamondre Stevenson has been firmly established as New England’s alpha back for the foreseeable future, the team still lacks a dedicated third-down option, capable of catching passes out of the backfield. Shipley appears poised to fill the need quite nicely. The Clemson product averaged 5.0 yards per carry for 827 yards and five touchdowns last season, while producing a mean of 5.6 yards per carry for 1,182 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2022.
Still, Shipley’s pass-catching abilities are likely to play a greater role in his success as at the pro level. In 2023, he had 31 receptions for 244 yards and two scores. That was after making 38 catches for 242 yards during 2022. At 5-10, 205 pounds, Shipley may lack the size to be an every-down back. However, his skills as a runner, while serving as the receiving threat could catch the eye of the Patriots throughout the week.
