The NFL Scouting Combine begins this week, which will give the Patriots a chance to meet with top prospects and watch them work out for scouts. While the event has taken on a greater significance than it is probably worth in recent years, there are several important parts for Mike Vrabel’s staff, including individual meetings with players and seeing how some are returning from injuries. Here are five players to watch from a Patriots perspective:
OT Will Campbell, LSU
The biggest story of the combine will be Campbell’s arm length. The general rule for offensive tackles is that their arm length needs to be at least 33 inches to be effective in the NFL. Two-time Pro Bowl (and one-time All-Pro) Rashawn Slater of the Chargers has arms exactly 33 inches, and former Patriots tackle Sebastian Vollmer measured at 33.25 inches. Once players drop below that 33-inch mark, they generally switch inside to play guard or center in the NFL. Offensive tackle is the Patriots’ biggest need and Campbell is the best college tackle available, provided his arms meet that threshold. If they do he could very well be the Patriots’ pick in the first round. If not, New England will likely go in another direction.
DE Abdul Carter, Penn State
If you were to use one word to describe Carter coming off the edge to attack an opposing quarterback it would be monster. He is simply devastating in the pass rush and strong against the run as well. Carter, who could go as high as first overall, had 68 tackles, 12 sacks and two forced fumbles for Penn State this season, including eight tackles and two sacks in the Nittany Lions’ two playoff games. At 6-foot-3 and 259 pounds with great speed and bend, he’d be a day one starter on any NFL team. Carter did end the season with a left arm/shoulder injury that he suffered during Penn State’s playoff game against Boise State. Checking on his recovery timetable will be important as well, though the injury did not appear to be too serious as he played through it the next week.
RB Donovan Edwards, Michigan
Edwards had an up and down career at Michigan that saw him run for 991 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in his sophomore season in 2022, but then followed it up with just 393 rushing yards on the 2023 Wolverines national championship team. He did have 249 receiving yards that season and his 104-yard, two-touchdown rushing performance earned him a spot as one of the cover athletes on EA College Football ’25. In 2024 the results were mixed. Edwards averaged 4.7 yards per carry, but only totaled 592 yards with four touchdowns and three fumbles. He projects as a later-round prospect and would be a nice fit for the Patriots if they believe he can be a dual-threat back like he was in 2023. His interview as well as his on-field drills will give head coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels more insight into whether Edwards is more like the player from his sophomore and dual-threat junior seasons than he was last year.
OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State
The talented Simmons is projected to be the third offensive tackle drafted behind Campbell and Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr. At 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds, Simmons has the strength and athleticism to be a good offensive tackle in the NFL. However, Simmons suffered a season-ending knee injury in October, which could cause him to fall a bit in the draft. If he were to fall into the late first round it would present the Patriots with a great opportunity to trade up from the early second round and select their tackle of the future. This would also give them the flexibility to select a non-tackle with their first pick. With that in mind, Simmons’ on-field drills will be paramount. If he looks like he is fully recovered he could be a top-15 pick and likely not an option for the Patriots. If it appears that he still has a ways to go (but will be recovered by training camp) then perhaps he could slip into the 20-25 range and open the door for New England.
TE Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green
While tight end is not at the top of the list of needs for the Patriots, it is a need nonetheless. The team needs to think about the future at that position beyond Hunter Henry and the only young player they currently have is 2024 seventh-round pick Jaheim Bell. Even if Bell ends up being a good player, New England needs more at tight end. Fannin had an eye-popping 117 catches for 1,555 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024. This was a massive step up from the 44 catches and 623 yards he had in 2023. He will need to add a little weight and improve his technique to be an NFL level blocker, which is why he would likely be a day two or perhaps early day three pick. If he has an excellent combine, though, and shows that he’s added muscle and improved his technique, he could be drafted much higher. Fannin could be in play for the Patriots with either of their third-round picks.