6 rings One-Off Wednesday: Are the Patriots QB-ready?
Head coach Jerod Mayo, de facto general manager Eliot Wolf, and the rest of the Patriots' brass are nose-to-the-grindstone these days with plenty of work to do over the next several months ahead of what has been dubbed by Patriots ownership as the “most anticipated NFL Draft” since they purchased the team.
A major part of that? The NFL's Scouting Combine, which takes place next week At Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium from February 26th through March 4th.
321 prospects have been invited to this year's event. Here are 44 (!!) to know and watch next week in Indy:
QB Caleb Williams, USC
The No. 1 prospect in the 2024 class, Williams likely won’t be around for the Patriots at pick No. 3 – unless they trade up to get him. The former Trojan won the 2022 Heisman Trophy and his arm talent and ability to make plays off-schedule make him the top prospect entering the NFL since Trevor Lawrence.
QB Drake Maye, North Carolina
UNC’s Drake Maye has been the quarterback most-connected to the Patriots at the No. 3 overall pick given his skillset.
The 6-foot-4 230-pound Maye threw for 7,929 yards and 72 touchdowns over two seasons as the Tar Heels starter and also added 1,147 rushing yards and 17 scores on the ground. His “pass-first, but athletic” play style fits in well with the West Coast-adjacent system that new offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt will likely look to run.
QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
2023’s Heisman Trophy winner, LSU’s Jayden Daniels shot on the scene this past season to the tune of 50 total touchdowns and just shy of 5,000 total yards.
An above average passer with elite play-making abilities, the 23-year-old Daniels will be an offensive coordinator’s dream at the top of April’s draft.
QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
J.J. McCarthy’s former head coach Jim Harbaugh has dubbed him both the best quarterback in this class and the greatest quarterback in Michigan history. The 6-foot-3 passer didn’t necessarily fill up the stat sheet in college, but his intangibles are driving him up draft boards.
QB Bo Nix, Oregon
Oregon quarterback Bo Nix took full advantage of his fifth college season, throwing for 4,508 yards and 45 touchdowns for the Ducks and finishing third in the Heisman Trophy voting.
Now preparing for the NFL Draft, Nix had a sub-par Senior Bowl week in Mobile last month and could use an above average Combine week to improve his stock as a prospect.
QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington
Speaking of Pac-12 quarterbacks who had a subpar Senior Bowl week who could use an above average Combine week to improve their draft stock, say hello to Michael Penix Jr.
The lefty from Washington took the Huskies to the National Championship in impressive fashion this season, but his injury history and volatility as a passer may worry some NFL teams.
QB Spencer Rattler, South Carolina
Once thought to be a potential No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, Spencer Rattler’s prospect resume took a nose dive several seasons ago while at Oklahoma.
After two seasons at South Carolina, Rattler rehabbed his game and, with a solid showing in Indy, could wind up being a day two pick.
RB Blake Corum, Michigan
The Patriots have a need at running back, given they have just three rostered heading into 2024 in Rhamondre Stevenson, Kevin Harris, and Ja’Mycal Hasty.
Enter Blake Corum, the 5-foot-8 runner from Michigan who rushed for 1,463 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2022, became a Unianimous All-American, and then returned in 2023 to help the Wolverines win a National Championship.
RB Jonathan Brooks, Texas
Arguably the top back in this year’s class, Texas’ Jonathan Brooks ran for 1,139 yards and 10 TD in 2023 leading the Longhorns rushing attack. Given his lack of production in the passing game, I’ll be interested to see him work out in passing drills at the combine.
RB Dillon Johnson, Washington
Yet another 1,000-yard player from Washington’s dominant 2023 offense, running back Dillon Johnson averaged 5.1 yards per carry and ran for 16 touchdowns on the way to a National Championship appearance.
Though he was seldom used in the Huskies’ passing game over his final two seasons, Johnson hauled in 65 passes for 422 yards in 2021.
RB Dylan Laube, New Hampshire
A runner with some local ties, UNH’s Dylan Laube led the FCS in all-purpose yards-per-game over his final two seasons in Durham. His ability in the passing game, running game, and kicking game would’ve made him an easy fit with Bill Belichick’s Patriots. Jerod Mayo’s? We shall see.
WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
Arguably the second best draft prospect behind QB Caleb Williams, Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. put together a 67/1,211/14 statline in 2023 after a 77/1,263/14 in ‘22.
The 6-foot-4 2023 Fred Bilentnikoff Award winner is as plug-and-play of a player we’ll see in this class. He won’t fall out of the top four picks.
WR Malik Nabers, LSU
Heisman winner Jayden Daniels’ top target Malik Nabers put together back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with LSU and totaled over 3,000 in his career. He’s a little on the shorter side at just 6-foot-0, but his crisp route-running and ability to separate will make him a top-10 pick.
WR Rome Odunze, Washington
Heisman Trophy runner-up Michael Penix Jr.’s favorite target in Washington last season, Rome Odunze stands at 6-foot-3 and does just about everything right as a pass catcher. He caught 92 passes for 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2023, and will look to continue that momentum as a pro in 2024.
WR Ja’Lynn Polk, Washington
Ja’Lynn Polk was the second of two Huskies pass catchers to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards in 2023-24.
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound pass catcher hauled in 69 passes for 1,159 yards and nine touchdowns from Penix on their way to the National Championship game. He’s known for his contested catch ability.
WR Jalen McMillan, Washington
One more Washington pass catcher for you in Jalen McMillan. A shiftier slot-type wide receiver, McMillan stands at 6-foot-1 and is a killer route runner with sticky hands. His numbers from last year may tell you otherwise, but he has potential to stick around at the next level.
WR Ladd McConkey, Georgia
Speaking of shifty pass catcher, Georgia’s Ladd McConkey was a star at February’s Senior Bowl, taking out cornerback after cornerback during 1-on-1’s.
The 5-foot-11,187 pound pass catcher caught just 30 passes for 478 yards and two touchodnws this season for the Bulldogs, but his ability to separate as a route-runner will surely make him a day two pick.
WR Keon Coleman, Florida State
One of two high-end receivers from Florida State in this class, Keon Coleman is your prototypical “X”. He’s not going to burn you, but he’s tough and has has great ball skills at the catch point.
WR Johnny Wilson, Florida State
Coleman’s teammate, Johnny Wilson, has monster size. At 6-foot-7, 240 pounds, he could easily moonlight as a tight end in any offense. Wilson caught 43 passes for 897 yards and five touchdowns for the Seminoles last season.
WR Troy Franklin, Oregon
For better or for worse, some may see Ducks wide receiver Troy Franklin as a Tyquan Thornton clone. The 6-foot-3 pass catcher is just 187 pounds but is lightning quick. Perhaps New England could hit on this No. 11-wearing speedster from a college with green and yellow uniforms.
WR Roman Wilson, Michigan
Michigan’s Roman Wilson was projected as a third-round pick in January according to NFL Mock Draft Database, but a dominant week at the Senior Bowl likely helped his stock.
The 6-foot-0, 192-pound pass catcher caught 48 passes for 789 yards and 12 touchdowns this season for the Wolverines. He’s an intriguing prospect to monitor.
WR Xavier Worthy, Texas
Xavier Worthy was Texas’ leading receiver in 2023 with 75 catches for 1,014 yards and five touchdowns, and his ability to separate from defenders made life much easier for quarterback Quinn Ewers. The 6-foot-1 pass catcher is a unique prospect who can play both on the boundary and in the slot.
WR Adonai Mitchell, Texas
Worthy’s teammate, Adonai Mitchell, was the Longhorn’s protypical “X” receiver, leading Texas with 11 receiving touchdowns. He’s a crisp route runner whose size at 6-foot-4 jumps off the page.
TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
If there were to ever be a tight end worthy of the No. 1 overall pick, it would probably be Brock Bowers. He’s an animal. He’s fast, he’s strong, he can run after the catch, he breaks tackles, he throws defenders, and so much more. Bowers was a mismatch against any and all defenses while at Georgia - a trait that should translate to the NFL.
TE Ja’Tavion Sanders, Texas
Ja’Tavion Sanders was the third head of the monster in Texas this season between him, Xavier Worthy, and Adonai Mitchell. The 6-foot-4, 243-pound tight end caught 45 passes for 682 yards and two touchdowns from quarterback Quinn Ewers this season, and showed off enough speed to be able to split out wide as a true receiver. An intriguing prospect for any offense.
TE Cade Stover, Ohio State
Ohio State’s Cade Stover was originally thought to be coming out of college last year, but stayed on as a fifth-year senior for the Buckeyes in 2023. In 12 games, he caught 41 passes for 576 yards and five touchdowns, and continued to show his ability as a blocker.
Seeing him compete, athletically, with the other tight ends in Mobile will give a better idea on where to rank him in this class.
TE Ben Sinnott, Kansas State
Kansas State’s Ben Sinnott is a high-quality pass catcher and an elite blocker, making him arguably the most well-rounded tight end in the class. His 6-foot-4, 245-pound frame makes him tough to bring down as a receiver and he’s great at bringing down contested catches. Oh, and he can play fullback.
TE Brevynn Spann-Ford, Minnesota
A later round prospect, Minnesota’s Brevynn Spann-Ford met with the Patriots at the Senior Bowl last month. He’s quick and an incredible athlete for his 6-foot-7, 270-pound frame. Could be worth a late-round flier.
OL Joe Alt, Notre Dame
Joe Alt stands at 6-foot-9, 322 pounds, and is the top tackle in the 2024 draft class. The former Fighting Irish tackle allowed just one sack in 2023 and is going to make a quarterback’s life much easier next season. Speaking of quarterbacks, if the Patriots steer clear of them at No. 3, expect Alt to be in consideration for their top pick.
OL Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State
Olu Fashanu was not only a two-year starter for the Nittany Lions, but also a team captain. Like Joe Alt, the 6-foot-6 mammoth of a left tackle should be plug-and-play, and should be on New England’s radar if they’re looking to build through the trenches early.
OL Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State
Oregon State’s Taliese Fuaga is an elite run blocker who can occasionally struggle as a pass protector. Fine for the Patriots, if you believe Alex Van Pelt when he says he’s going to rely heavily on the run game.
Like his counterparts in Alt and Fashanu, the 6-foot-6 Fuaga can play from day one.
OL Troy Fautanu, Washington
Huskies offensive lineman Troy Fautanu has experience playing both guard and tackle (and defensive line, for what it’s worth) in college, so his versaility makes him an interesting prospect to watch. He’s been a two-year starter at Washington and won the Morris Trophy as the Pac-12’s top offensive last season.
OL JC Latham, Alabama
JC Latham comes from the top college football in the nation over the last century in Alabama, and his play shows exactly that. He does everything you want a tackle to do well, well. If New England moves on from Mike Onwenu, Latham is a guy who could step in othe right side from day one.
OL Patrick Paul, Houston
Former Cougers tackle Patrick Paul stands at 6-foot-7, 333 pounds and is a brick wall at left tackle.
He’s an elite pass protector, an above average run blocker, and according to NFLDraftBuzz.com, allowed just six hurries, one QB hit, and zero sacks at left tackle last season. I cant wait to see his testing numbers.
OL Christian Mahogany, Boston College
A local legend, the 6-foot-3 Christian Mahogany spent four seasons at Boston College (though he missed 2022 due to a torn ACL). The interior offensive lineman was named All-ACC Second Team in 2021 and All-ACC First Team this past season. Notably, he reportedly played some center at the East-West Shrine Bowl, showing off some positional versatility.
DL Kris Jenkins, Michigan
Kris Jenkins was a monster on the defensive line for Michigan over the past two seasons, tallying 37 total tackles and 2.5 sacks in ‘22 and 54 tackles and two sacks in ‘23. His ability as a run stopper mixed with his athletic frame makes him a sure-fire draft pick. Showing an improved knack as a pass rusher could make him a day two selection.
DL T’Vondre Sweat, Texas
T’Vondre Sweat played five seasons at Texas, with 2023 effectively being his Mona Lisa. This past season, the 360-pound freak was a Unanimous All-American, First-Team All-Big 12, the Outland Trophy winner, and the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.
He shined at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, likely raising his draft stock substantially.
EDGE Jared Verse, Florida State
A would-have-been first round last April, Florida State’s Jared Verse decided to return to school in 2023 and once again shined for the Seminoles. The 6-foot-4 defensive end tallied nine sacks, matching his career high, and logged a forced fumble and two pass deflections along the way.
He’ll once again be a day one pick so unless they stun us (which they’ve done before) he doesn’t necessarily fit what the Patriots are going for.
EDGE Laiatu Latu, UCLA
The Patriots have an eventual need coming down the pipe at EDGE rusher given the pending free agency of Josh Uche and the contract year of Matthew Judon coming up. So, while he’s likely a top-100 pick, UCLA’s Laiatu Latu bodes watching. The 6-foot-5, 265-pound defensive end tallied 13 sacks and two interceptions in 2023 and 10.5 sacks the season before.
CB Cam Hart, Notre Dame
Notre Dame’s Cam Hart not only stood out at the Senior Bowl last month, but also reportedly met with the Patriots a handful of times. At 6-foot-2, Hart was a lock-down corner for the Irish over the last two seasons, and his play recognition and instincts jump off the page – traits that will be lauded by the Patriots’ new defensive staff.
CB Chau Smith-Wade, Washington State
Washington State’s Chau Smith-Wade met with the Patriots at the Senior Bowl last month, and impressed in the game itself with an interception. He’s an intriguing prospect to monitor given the team’s need at cornerback.
Though standing at just 5-foot-11, the former Couger played almost exclusively on the boundary in college, so he knows how to play bigger than his size.
DB Sione Vaki, Utah
Sione Vaki played just about everywhere during his time at Utah, both on offense and on defense. The 6-foot-0, 208-pound weapon logged snaps at cornerback, safety, defensive line, and running back.
Marcus Jones 2.0?
K Will Reichard, Alabama
Alabama’s Will Reichard became the NCAA’s all-time scoring leader over five seasons in Tuscaloosa, banging in 293 PATs and 82 field goals throughout his career. In 2023 he was First-Team All-SEC after hitting hit 88% of his field goal attempts and going 5-for-5 from 50+ yards.
New England already has a young kicker in Chad Ryland but given his struggles, perhaps they take another shot at a rookie in 2024.
P Tory Taylor, Iowa
Similar to kicker, the Patriots likely already have their future punter in Bryce Baringer, who they drafted in the fifth round last year. However Tory Taylor is arguably the greatest college punter of the century. Watch him boom the ball next week.
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
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