Nick Folk isn't going to be around forever and is on a one year deal. The Patriots have one kicker under contract and could use competition. Since Jonathan Song is still a free agent, they might as well turn to the draft. The average career of a long snapper is six years and this will be Joe Cardona's seventh. While it's unlikely Jake Bailey has anything to worry about, doesn't hurt to scout one punter.
Riley Patterson Memphis
Lance Zierlien said, "Patterson's 2019 season might have been a better representation of who he is as a field goal kicker, but his 2020 results might be more heavily weighed by teams. Wind seemed to impact him in a couple of games, which should be taken into account, and he does strike the ball fairly consistently. He has enough leg for longer field goals, but it's not a big leg by NFL standards. He's likely to get a shot to prove himself as a priority free agent."
Jose Borregales Miami
Lance Zierlien wrote, "Borregales brings the same energy to the kicker position that you would find from any other position player on a roster. He has always played with a chip on his shoulder after being overlooked by Power Five schools coming out of high school. Borregales' ability to bang kickoffs out of the end zone and make kicks of 50-plus yards with consistency should go a long way toward ensuring he's drafted with a chance to become an instant NFL starter."
Oscar Draguicevich Wash. St.
Pete Caster wrote, "Draguicevich, twice named to the Ray Guy Award watch list, was a senior this year but, like all NCAA Division I fall athletes, had the option of returning next season because of the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
He averaged 46.7 yards on 19 punts this year, second-best in the Pac-12, and exceeded 50 yards five times. He uncorked a 78-yarder against Oregon that, from the launch point, traveled 70-plus yards in the air."
Colten Menges Alcorn State
The NFL draft bible wrote, "Menges was named to the 2019 HERO Sports All-America Third-Team. He played in 12 games and committed no turnovers. Menges submitted a 4.0 GPA in both the 2019 fall and 2020 spring semesters. Full name is Colten Jacob Menges; son of Ronnie and Tania Menges, has an older brother Justin Menges. Lettered in both football and wrestling at Lakenheath American High School in England; named a two-time All-Star and two-time All-Conference selection. Was European Champion in wrestling; grew up with 14 years of wrestling experience, placed in nationals three times and was a four-time state champion. Went on to play football at Blinn JC for two years. Majored in Sports Management."
One last prospect. Because the Patriots could use another third down back, gunner, and kickoff specialist, keep an eye on Anthony Schwartz from Auburn. He has the speed and could be a dangerous gunner and possible return specialist if he has the ability to track and field them. I don't know if his offensive abilities alone is good enough to find him anywhere but the practice squad but if he can show the special teams value, he could sneak on to a roster.
Special teams is something Belichick prioritizes. He might be doing somethings differently but he will not neglect and ignore that phase of the game. Sure it's not sexy and nobody ever thinks of the value of a kicker, punter, or long snapper until they're in a superbowl and they're going into the fourth tied 3-3 because the offense can't move the football. When the punter is a candidate for MVP and the kicker scores over half the points in a 13-3 game, that's when everyone for 30 seconds talks about how important special teams are. Teams don't wait til superbowl weekend to sign them and if they're really good, they don't wait always until after the draft. Especially if it's a position of need.
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