By most accounts, the New England Patriots had one of their best drafts in years. Several selections could make an immediate impact this season, with some even fighting for playing time Week 1. And while any time you have a rookie contribute his first year it’s a win and having a late-round draft pick deliver significantly is the biggest win. According to his former coaches, the Patriots might have found a great value in the sixth round.
In a piece posted to The Athletic, Jeff Howe spoke with several University of Missouri football coaches about safety Joshuah Bledsoe.
All of the coaches raved extensively about the former Tigers safety, which they are apt to do, but this seems significant given Bledsoe’s draft slot. Missouri football coach Eli Drinkwitz called Bledsoe “...a very smart football player, which I think is exactly what coach Belichick values – versatility, smarts and football intelligence.”
Bledsoe’s former defensive backs coach, Charlie Harbison added: “He can see things (before the snap). I think this guy is going to be big.”
But it was Bledsoe’s former defensive coordinator who caught our attention the most.
“The Patriots got a steal with Josh. He’s way more athletic than people give him credit for. He’s versatile. He’s got a lot of value," Ryan Walters, former Missouri defensive coordinator (now with the University of Illinois) said. Walters also called Bledsoe “a workhorse” and said he’d often end up on the hydration report for working so hard he sweat so much.
Draft value, positional versatility and a great work ethic -- sounds like a Belichick dream player.
I had the chance to interview Patriots director of college scouting Matt Groh at a Patriots draft recap livestream back in May, and he had great things to say about Bledsoe, from his competitiveness to his coverage ability and more.
Bledsoe at times in college was matched up against an opponent’s top receiver and often fared well, something you don’t often see out of a safety. A wrist injury sustained at the 2021 Senior Bowl prevented Bledsoe from participating in Missouri’s Pro Day workouts, else perhaps this versatile defender might not have slipped so far. Far be it from the Patriots to not take a chance on an injured talent who could have so much value, especially at a spot like safety where depth is always coveted.
Patriots training camp begins July 28. Stay tuned to WEEI 93.7 FM and WEEI.com for all the latest updates, coverage, analysis and more.
