Pushing past the alleged trade talk, rumors and scandalous “reports” of recent days that have distracted from the NFL Draft at hand - just over three weeks away - how about we take a peek at some of the prospects that have visited Foxboro recently?
6 Rings & Prospect Things: Cornerbacks
The Patriots seem to be doing business as business is supposed to be done this time of year, attending Pro Days and inviting players in for visits and interviews as part of the top 30 plan. For what it’s worth, a top 30 visit doesn’t mean that said player is on a team’s top 30 players list. Rather, an NFL team can host up to 30 players for pre-draft visits to chat, run physicals and get whatever information they need for their own draft, intel for future contests, etc.
The Pats met Wednesday with USC wide receiver Jordan Addison, one of the four top WRs in the coming draft. No word on how things went with Addison, a 2021 Biletnikoff winner. Though nothing is guaranteed as far as the Pats going receiver early, they do seem to be doing their homework on the top pass catchers in this draft.
Offensive tackle is a top need, right up there with wide receiver and cornerback, and one of the top prospects, Georgia’s Broderick Jones, is coming to town. Jones projects to be a top-20 pick in most mock drafts and is coming off of back-to-back championship seasons with the Georgia Bulldogs, where he repeatedly faced top competition.
If size on the line is your thing then you’ll appreciate the Patriots hosting Atonio Mafi, a mammoth of an offensive guard who checks in at 6’ 2” and 355 pounds (think Mike Onwenu size). Mafi was originally a defensive lineman before converting to the O-Line and projects as a Day 3 pick at the draft.
With Devin McCourty retiring the Pats could look to the likes of Jammie Robinson from Florida State to bolster their safety corps. Though Jalen Mills might be shifting from corner to safety, a versatile player like Robinson could be of interest. Robinson, a four year amateur, played his first two seasons at South Carolina before transferring to and finishing up his college career with the Seminoles.
Staying on the defensive side of things, the Pats are also hosting Viliami “Junior” Fehoko, a defensive end/edge from San Jose State. Though most may not have heard of him, Fehoko was extremely productive as a member of the Spartans, tallying 12 sacks in his fifth-year senior season. The word “underrated” seems to keep popping up amongst those familiar with him. While defensive end isn’t necessarily the priority that other spots may be, you can never have enough edge setters and rushers, especially with the likes of Josh Uche in a contract season.
For more on prospects visiting Foxboro and meeting with the Patriots stay tuned to 93.7 FM WEEI, WEEI.com and The Six Rings and Football Things podcast.
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