I've been right in the past concerning the Patriots. And I admit I've been wrong, I don't know everything but I'm right enough to have confidence in my predictions and oversight. With that, I recently named twenty four prospects fits. They were broken down into seven positions with three each, one per level. And then I included the best available prospect I expected to be at that level. I gave a crack pot review with each player. Here are the twenty four scouting reports. There may be better guys a head of these prospects but I don't think they will be on the board and can the Patriots really afford to trade up? I don't think so, at least not without leaving major holes.
Jaquan Brisker safety Penn State standing 6'1" and weighting 200 pounds. Age 22. College stats (2017-2021): 53 games, 9 Interception with 2 pick sixes and 14 defended passes since 2019. 271 tackles and recovered 1 fumble. 2 Kickoff returns for a measly 6 yard average and 17.6 yard average on 5 punt returns.
Free Safety who can play multiple defensive back roles and has special teams value. Equally functional in both zone and man coverage. Needs to improve downfield coverage. And occasionally takes bad angles. Has the potential to be another shutdown DB.
Intelligent player able to read and make adjustments. Reacts well as the play progresses. Another quarterback of the defense. Plays the ball well and has room for growth.
Old school hard hitting safety who needs to settle down as ball carriers take advantage of his aggressive style of tackling. Should be a three down safety.
Does well in coming up and stopping the run. A true three down safety. Good as a blitzing defensive back. Capable of playing a WILL.
Not as developed as Hamilton, will need a year or two to become a star. His NFL comparisons are Michael Jenkins, Reshad Jones, and Harrison Smith. A mid to late first round projection who I think could slip into the early second.
Jahan Dotson receiver Penn State age 21, Standing 5'11" 178 pounds. He played in 42 college games (2018-2021) and compiled 183 catches out of 272 targets for 2746 yards with 25 TDs. He had 8 carries for a 2.25 yard average. 2 passes for 43 yards. He also had 25 punt returns with a 13.5 average and 1 return touchdown.
Dotson is a three sport athlete. Undersized for the X but can play any receiver positions and special teams. His size won't be an issue for the slot or Z. Should be an instant plug in and play for all 32 teams.Good speed and agility. Can burn a guy deep or at the line. Drops shouldn't be a problem and he excells in getting yards after the catch. Not an ideal contested catch build but he still fights for the ball.
Understands how to read coverage and has no issues about putting his body in harms way to catch a pass. Doesn't have issues getting separation and knows when the quarterback needs help.
So what does he do wrong? He doesn't always play to ability. Blocking is inconsistent and needs to work on cleaning up his route running. And again if you want to play him in the X instead of the slot or Z, then he's undersized.
Dotson could be a late first rounder but most likely he'll go in the second or early third, however I don't see him making it to round three. Reports say his NFL comparisons are Diontae Johnson and Tyler Lockett. In the Patriots offense, I would have Dotson play the Z and move Bourne to the deep slot. If the passing catching depth chart doesn't change, Dotson would allow the Patriots to run more 4 wide empty backfield plays with Henry being the lone tight end in the field.
Roger McCreary outside corner Auburn 5'11" 190 pounds, age 22. Played in 43 college games (2018-2021). Had 6 interceptions with 1 pick six and 30 passes defended. Totalled 135 tackles with 1 sack and a forced fumble. Also recovered 2 fumbles.
Exellent man cover guy who sticks to his guy like glue and doesn't allow a lot of YAC. An intelligent zone defender who can use a little coaching at keeping his eyes on the quarterback.
He has the ability to be a true defensive back who played some of his best football in the redzone. However, he may want to improve on his three come and slot receivers at the next level may beat him. He doesn't have elite speed and will need help with some of the faster receivers. He maybe able to add some speed by working with a speed coach as his stride is short compared to his length.
He's an aggressive ballhawk who does a good job at getting his hands near the ball but he needs to improve on jump balls. He's also a decent tackler in both the run and the pass. He also plays the run like a safety but he reportedly can get lazy when making tackles.
With concerns about his wingspan, McCreary is second round prospect with NFL comparisons Rock Ya-Sin, Davon House, and Patrick Robinson. He should be a starting number two outside corner in year one but will have rookie growing pains if thrown immediately into the number one role. The best outlook for the Patriots is to hope they can re-sign Jackson and bring in him.
Leo Chenal linebacker Wisconsin 6'3" 250 pounds age 21. He played in 29 games (2019-2021), recording 181 tackles and 12 sacks. 8 in his final year. He also recorded 1 interception and 3 passes defended. And he had 3 forced fumbles.
He's gonna knock ball carriers on their ass but his wingspan has been called into question, so he will need to take good paths to the ball carrier.
He's got a good mind to read plays and to know where to be and where the ball is going. He uses his strength to get through opponents and to get to the ball. He plays sideline to sideline, so he's always in the play. And his blitzing ability is hard to stop.
There's some concern whether or not he can defend the pass. Teams may use him as an early down defender and test his abilities until they gain an understanding of his ability. His zone coverage ability is underrated the question is does have the ability to play man coverage at the next level. He's covered college tight ends but there's a difference between college level talent and pro level.
He's a quarterback of the defense who can be moved around. And with development he could be a good risk reward for a team that wants to take a chance. His NFL comparisons are Brian Cushing, Rey Maualuga, Zaven Collins, Preston Brown, and I even saw Donta Hightower. He's projected to be a top 64 pick with the latest I saw him projected to fall was round four.
Jordan Davis defensive tackle Georgia, 6'6" 341 pounds, age 22. 41 games (2018-2021), 90 tackles with 11.5 for a loss and 7 sacks. He also had 1 pass defensed.
A multiple technique interior lineman. He's a pocket disrupted who requires two blockers and often is seen pushing the pocket backwards. He's intelligent and knows where the ball carrier is and seems to know what the blockers are going to do. And for a big guy he runs a 4.78 forty. That's as fast as some ends and linebackers.
He has room for development with hand techniques but he makes up for it with brute strength. There isn't a better run stopper in the draft. He has the ability to get back into plays. He needs to develop his pass rush but his ability just to push the pocket back could be enough to keep him on the field for all three downs.
Another guy who won't make it passed the 50th pick. His NFL comparisons are Derrick Brown, Ted Washington, John Henderson, and Vince Wolfork. If the Patriots drafted Davis, they could use Barmore like the hybrid tackle - end that he is. And between the two of them, the remaining front seven will have an open field day at the quarterback or ball carrier because those two would eat at least four blockers.
Trevor Penning tackle Northern Iowa, 6'7" 325 pounds, age 22. He's an offensive lineman so let me apologize a head of time of his report is shorter than other positions.
A starting tackle with swing ability. He has also has started at left guard. Does a good job at staying on his feet and with putting defenders on the ground. Can get grabbed in pass protection. He can move well enough but there's room to be for improvement.
He doesn’t get beat often at the edge and knows how to read or sense a defense. He has good power and adequate speed for the tackle position. His balance can occasionally be an issue but it's fixable with a quality offensive line coach. So are most of his other issues. I read one report that said he quits against lesser competition. Belichick will coach that out of him but that could be enough to see him fall into the second.
His NFL comparisons are Taylor Lewan, Riley Reiff, Matt Feiler, Jon Runyan Sr., and Michael Onwenu. Although he projects as a top 32 pick, some of the negatives mainly his 'effort' could see him fall into the later part of round two.
Wan'Dale Robinson third-down back (receiver convert) Kentucky, 5'8" 178 pounds age 21. 31 games (2019-2021), 141 attempts for a 4.90 yard average with 4 touchdowns and 25 first downs. 195 receptions out of 263 targets for 2,248 yards and 10 touchdowns, with 97 first downs. A 21.45 average on 24 kickoff returns and a 2.14 yard average on 7 punt returns.
While he has the ability to be a deep slot receiver, Kentucky had to find ways to get the ball in his hands quite often. He reminds me of Danny Woodhead. When he entered the NFL, the Jets didn't know if they wanted him to play slot or running back. He came to New England found his home as a third down and pass catching back and the rest was history.
Robinson has a decent route tree but he's not a guy teams are going to want to run X receiver routes. He's better suited coming out of the backfield or lining up in the slot. He's capable of going deep but NFL defensive backs are going to catch him quickly if teams try that too often.
Regardless of where he lines up, he can get separation easily but with how he was used or scripted to get the ball, he didn't get as much YAC as he could've. Mainly because they were forcing him the ball and trying to get the ball down field. It's the kinda situation the Patriots will be in if they draft an X just to force the ball down field but that's another story.
He's got natural smarts and great awareness of what's happening on the field. He knows when the quarterback is in trouble and is capable of making circus catches or catches in traffic. He can block but teams would rather he didn't and had the ball in his hands.
He is a capable scatback and knows where and when to make cuts to find holes and pick up a few yards. His vision as a ball carrier makes him dangerous and his ability to get low allows him to disappear behind the line and pop out like a bullet from a sling shot. Add to that he has more special teams value than just a return man. I only wish they let him throw more, just so he could add a little more to his bag of tricks.
Robinson will get buried on a team's depth chart if drafted as a wideout but if he gets drafted as a back, he's gonna be a dangerous weapon and could become a major piece of an offense. He could very well be the guy who replaces James White but do the Patriots view that as a priority need?
Projected as a second round pick that could go in the early part of round three. His NFL comparisons are Ty Montgomery, 'a lesser' Deebo Samuel, and former Patriots running back Danny Woodhead. Robinson is referred to in many reports as a Swiss army knife more than he is receiver. And that says something.
Trey McBride tight end Colorado State 6'4" 246 pounds, age 23. 40 games (2018-2021). Caught 157 of 219 targets for 2011 yards and 9 touchdowns, with 109 first downs. 1 carry for 69 yards and a touchdown.
He has lined up in every possible position on offensive outside of quarterback and lineman on offense and I could be wrong about lineman. Basically he's capable of replacing Jonnu Smith and Dalton Keene. Not to mention he plays special teams. However, Asiasi might not be safe either.
He has probably the most reliable hands of this tight end class and more reliable then some of the receivers in this class. He knows how to go and get the ball. He can also catch in space or traffic. Has a decent route tree and route running ability but wasn't utilized in the redzone as much as possible.
He understands coverage and knows how to get separation. And is another player who is aware enough to know when the play has broken down and to bail out the quarterback.
Just because he's undersized for an inline tight end doesn't mean he can't block. He's just as capable of being an inline blocker as he is a battering ram fullback. He can do everything N'keal Harry did, only better. And when he has the ball, he's got a secure grip on it. Defenders are not knocking it loose or stripping it from his arms.
He can pass block but he was so good of a weapon that they let his pass blocking slide. And that is why he projects as a U tight end or big body Y receiver. As a top 64 prospect with NFL comparisons Austin Hooper, Hunter Henry, and Darren Waller, McBride isn't going to be a weapon teams are going to want to pass on. The last thing the NFL is gonna wanna do Is let a move tight end or big body receiver fall to the Patriots.
Mid Round Prospects
Bryan Cook safety from Cincinnati standing 6'1" and weighting 203 pounds age unknown. Played in 46 college games (2017-2021). Had 7 interceptions with 15 passes defended and a pick six. 221 tackles with 1 sack and a forced fumble.
An intelligent safety who has ideal tackling abilities. Capable of playing multiple defensive back roles and able to help on special teams. A former cornerback and has the ability to cover tight ends and faster receivers. Stiffness maybe the reason for the position switch.
Free Safety who has average instincts in coverage. Better in zone coverage than man. And writer's aren't happy with his ball production. He's better in intermediate and deep coverage then near the line. However he's still adequate in man and on shorter routes.
His run stopping ability is excellent entering the next level but there is still a little room for improvement. Needs a strong pro day or combine as his speed has been called into question. And adding a few extra pounds to his frame wouldn't hurt.
His NFL comparisons are Jaylinn Hawkins, Julian Blackmon, and Sheldrick Redwine. No I am not making that last name up. And he's a development late day two / early day three projection who should be a starter before the end of his rookie deal.
Romeo Doubs Nevada stands 6'2" and weights a thin 201 pounds age 21. Played in 44 games (2018-2021) he made 225 catches out of 278 targets for 3322 yards and 26 touchdowns. He also returned 37 punts for a 12.5 yard average with a touchdown. He also had a kick return for 22 yards.
An average route runner with room for improvement, who has burner speed. Has speed and quickness to get separation but struggles against faster corners. Has the acceleration to win at the line. He's a danger once he gets the ball. May be a deep slot at the next level, his underneath route tree needs work.
Comes down with contested catches. Huge wingspan. Past history of the dropsies and occasional bricks for hands. Needs to improve on his catching technique. Does a good job with ball location.
Is safe with the ball, goes down or runs out of bounds to avoid contact instead of putting thr ball at risk for extra yards. May put his safety before a catch.
Has the versatility to play the X, Y, and Z of split end, slot, and flanker roles. His natural abilities make him a risk of a home run regardless where he lines up. Once he gets the ball, he's gone. He brings some return experience and special teams value.
Needs development with his blocking and his footwork is a bit raw. Lines up primarily on the right. Needs to fill out his frame. His NFL comparisons are Quintez Cephus and Zay Jones. He projects as a day 2 prospect with a huge upside. He has the potential to be a number one or elite number two, if a receiving coach can develop him. Does that sound like any New England receivers coach of the past 20 years? That could be the sole reason the Patriots pass on him.
Tariq Woolen outside corner UTSA, 6'4" 205 pounds, age 22. 42 games (2018-2021), 2 interceptions with 9 passes defended. 63 tackles with 1.5 sacks. 24 receptions, 263 yards, 1 touchdown. Had an outstanding final season while basically being down to one hand.
Outside corner running a 4.26 forty with a 42 inch vertical. Has a decent frame but could stand to add some weight. Appears to be an ideal zone defender. Has good instincts and ball skills. And he's barely scratched his ability. He plays zone with the instincts of a receiver playing catch with a quarterback.
Needs to be taught how to play to his size to maximize his ability. Shows sloppy footwork and over aggressiveness in man coverage. He gets on them early and has the ability to shadow. He just needs to be taught how to play man. One he learns the position, he's going to be a ballhawk.
Needs to do a better job engaging blockers. He's appears to lack proper coaching in this area. Part of his problem is he's still raw only playing corner for two years after being a receiver his football life. Hitting doesn't come naturally.
Projects as a 4th round developmental starter with comparisons to Kevin King, Isaiah Johnson, and Ifeatu Melifonwu.
Darrian Beavers Inside linebacker CIncinnati 6'4" 237 pounds age 22. He played in 62 college games (2017-2021). He had 231 tackles with 14.5 sacks. He forced 3 fumbles and recovered 2. He also had 3 interceptions with 3 passes defended.
Beavers has experience at receiver and safety from high school. And Beavers is a three sport athlete. He can play inside or outside linebacker. He's an old school Jack hammer that's going to lay the boom when he comes up to tackle. He destroys blocks in order to get to the ball carrier. He excells against the run. And isn't too bad of a pass rusher either.
He can play many styles and is a fit for a team that switches things up. He can be a three down linebacker but he's more suited for zone than man coverage. Although he can disrupt routes. He can move side ways and change direction when needed without a cause for concern. He can even play the edge as he has played end before.
Beavers can make adjustments and keeps people informed of what's going on. He's another intelligent prospect that will add leadership to any linebacker room.
He's got a high motor. Lance Zierlein knocked Beavers for being "an old school linebacker." While John Sarianides compared him to Hightower calling him, "a big and rangy linebacker...". With how many teams referred to him as a Patriots linebacker and said his style was outdated he may fall deeper than projected and still become a Patriot.
A day two prospect with comparisons to Zavien Collins, K.J. Wright, and Donta Hightower. He has room for development but being his biggest knocks are what they are, if he makes it to New England, he may not need as much development as people are saying.
Phidarian Mathis defensive Tackle Alabama 6'4" 310 pounds, age 24. Played in 55 games (2018-2021). Had 129 tackles with 10.5 sacks. He had 3 forced fumbles and 3 recoveries. He also defended 5 passes.
Can play tackle or end in either a 3-4 or 4-3. He's got quickness and strength which he uses to push the pocket back into the quarterback and ball carrier.
He has a good use of hand techniques and moves to beat defenders and find his way to the ball. Some noting his swim and club moves. Although he may need to spend some time getting limber. He has the ability to play sideline to sideline and get back into plays.
His football smarts are on the extreme end, and he will need to be part of a rotation as he plays full force. He is also another player who draws double teams. Not at the level of Jordan Davis but it's still enough to allow the Patriots linebackers and ends to get to the ball carrier easier. His run stopping abilities will draw the Patriots to him alone.
One of the things he needs to work on is patience. He can play a little to quick and his first step isn't consistent which leads to getting handled by guards. His change of direction speed has also been called into question. And it is said that all he has is a bull rush, he's gonna have to show at his pro day that he has more tricks in the bag.
He's another mid day two prospect that should not make it out of round three unless something goes wrong. His comparisons are Daquan Jones, Dalvin Tomlinson and Mohammed Wilkerson.
Abraham Lucas tackle Washington State 6'6" 315 pounds, age ??. Has been with Washington since 2017. Showed up at the combine running a 4.92 forty.
A decent blocker regardless if it's pass or run blocking. He's versatility enough to play in any scheme but may need some development depending on what he's asked to play, as he occasionally plays too high.
He needs to improve his flexibility and strength but he does a good job staying on his feet and does a adequate job bending his knees.. His ability to anchor is not as good as other big men. He also has the ability to pull.
He plays aggressive in the run but is very calm against the pass. Almost like a matador in bull fights, redirecting defenders with finesse. He's good with both power and zone schemes.
His hand and reach combined with his ability to move where he wants keeps his quarterback clean. He can play either side of the line and has good intelligence and awareness to read defenses and make adjustments. NFL.com thinks he could play some guard at the next level, while the draft network disagrees. Going to be interesting to see how team scouts see him.
Being projected to go by round 4 will give the Patriots time to make a decision on him. His comparisons are Kyle Murphy and Jah Reid.
Zonovan Knight utility back N.C. State 5'11" 209 pounds, age 20. Played in 36 games (2019-2021). He averaged 5.46 yards on 419 carries with 18 touchdowns. He also caught 48 of 64 targets for 336 yards with 16 first downs. He also fielded 30 kickoff with a 30.7 yard average. He also had 7 fumbles sprewd out over his 497 touches.
For 20 has a lot of use on his legs due to being an all purpose back in both college and high school. He's a good pass catcher and a zone runner. His pass blocking is adequate and will need improvement as he's primarily a receiving back on passing downs.
He has good vision and finds holes. The problem is he occasionally tries to fit in tight holes. He has a good cut and doesn't lose balance. He has good acceleration once he finds the hole and enough breakaway speed to be dangerous anytime he has the ball in space.
He was in the top 5 for missed tackles in 2020. He does well in screens and coming out of the backfield as a pass catcher. He is a decent route runner with a few tricks to get open. He brings special teams value both on the punt coverage team and as a kickoff return specialist.
A fourth round projection with comparisons Lamar Miller and Brandon Bolden, the contrasting talent comparisons is probably the reason he's projected to go where he is.
Matt Araiza Punter / Kicker / Leg San Diego State 6'2" 200 pounds, age 21. Before I get into his stats, I just want to point out that he runs a a 4.68 forty. That's faster than some linebackers and tight ends.
In 35 games he kicked 73.5 percent of his 68 field goals with career longs of 53. He was 3 of 10 kicking over 50. He kicked 84 punts 39 inside the twenty and 37 over 50 yards. He only had 15 touch backs, 7 go out of bounds, and he had 17 fair catches. He also averaged 64 yards a kickoff. And he's brought down 7 returners, 5 on his own.
He's a left footed kicker who has twice kicked 80 yard punts. Araiza is also supposed to be kicking near 60 yard field goals in practice. According to PFN, he's "Never had a kick or punt blocked."
It's also said that he has room to improve his accuracy in both field goal kicking and punting and that it's just "a matter of consistency in his approach."
Araiza is projected as a early day three prospect but some believe he could be off the board by the end of the third. He could be the highest Punter taken.
Late round prospects
Jerreth Sterns Westen Kentucky stands 5'9" and weights 195 pounds. He started at Houston Baptist before transfering in 2020 to WKU. In his 4 years of college he put up a staggering 371 catches for 3907 yards and 35 touchdowns. He also had 28 carries for 73 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also has special teams value returning 44 punts for a 5.6 yard average.
Sterns had a season not seen since the likes of Calvin Johnson. However unlike Megetron, Sterns is being labeled undersized because if his size. Sterns will not be an X receiver at the NFL level, yet his size is perfect for a slot or flanker as a pro.
Sterns has great hands, only dropping 3 passes this season. He's the next level security blanket. He's also an ideal route runner. He's fast but he doesn't have the speed one wants in a burner but he's got the quickness and agility one again wants from a slot or flanker in today's NFL and teams will have to worry about him on every blade of grass.
Sterns is explosive with the ball and knows how to get yards after the catch and he knows how to get separation. He just seems to know where to be. He's another small guy who fights for contested catches and has no issues going across the middle. He has that squirrely menatality.
His blocking isn't that great and he needs to develop some techniques better suited for his size in that department. Anyone looking for N'keal Harry type blocking production are going to be gravely disappointed.
A late day 3 draft projection. Reports compare him to Cole Beasley, slot receiver from Buffalo and Brandon Cooks from Houston. Some reports said he was a miss in scouting by NCAA teams and thus his college career suffered. Sterns is an "air raid" receiver but that shouldn't be a problem. With a good combine he could've seen himself being drafted in the third but after being snubbed, round five seems possible. Arizona or New England are two teams that he seems like a good fit for.
Calvin Turner Jr receiving back Hawaii 5'11" 195 pounds, age 22. College stats (2017-2021) 580 carries for 3439 yards with a 5.92 yard average and 44 rushing touchdowns. 108 catches for 1452 yards, averaging 13.44 with 11 touchdowns. 6 punt returns with a 7.6 yard average. 42 kickoff returns, avgeraging 22.64 yards with 1 touchdown. He completed 44.6% of 150 attempts for 1,176 yards with 7 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.
Versatility: The first thing anyone needs to know is Turner started off as a Defensive in 2017 (No stats found). He switched to quarterback in 2018 and then finished out his career as a running back that could line up as a receiver. His elusiveness helped earn him the job of return specialist but special teams as a whole are part of his game.
Turner is more of a scatback than a power back but he can run between the tackles. Impeccable footwork with a good burst and able to keep his balance and stay upright. His vision is good and he's instinctive, always seeming to know where to go with the ball. He's more than fast enough to get around the edge but his ability to see what's in front of him and to change direction without losing speed will make him very valuable.
Turner is an asset on passing downs, he can pick up the blitz and pass block with the best of them but he's also a dangerous weapon. Turner has the ability to win at all three levels of the field. No blade of grass is safe. He's got sure hands and is capable of making circus catches. He uses his experience as both a quarterback and defensive back to help beat coverage and get separation.
The biggest thing against Turner is his production was limited due to having to change offenses going from Rolovich to Todd Graham. It didn't look like Graham always knew how to use Turner. If you're a Patriots fan, that's kinda like the complaints with McDaniels use of Newton and Jonnu Smith.
Every 10.5 touches on offense Turner scored. That number would've been higher if not for a regime change. Turner's decision to return to Hawaii gave him a chance for more exposure but the dysfunction of Todd Graham hindered his progress. If you don't know about the player accusations, I suggest you check it out.
Like all running backs, Turner could use to improve his route tree but it's good where it's at. The things he needs improvement on are all minor. So he should be an instant plug in to any committee.
Turner was robbed of a chance to show off in the Hawaii bowl but got to play in the East - West shrine bowl on February 3rd. Turner was snubbed by the NFL but he ran a 4.48 at his pro day with a 38.5 inch vertical and a 10.3 in broad jump.
Projected as a late round udfa with NFL Comparisons Trevon Austin and James White. For teams looking for that Danny Woodhead / James White receiving back, Turner is a guy to keep an eye on. He's not going to be the feature back in any NFL offense but his abilities make him a dangerous athlete if paired with the right coaching staff.
Dustin Crum quarterback Kent State 6'1" 210 pounds, age 23. In 50 games (2017-2021) he started 31 of them. He completed 66.7 of 864 passes for 7,401 yards with 55 touchdowns to 12 interceptions. And was sacked 104 times or twice a game on average. He averaged 4.34 yards per carry on 477 carries with 24 touchdowns and 65 first downs. He does have a catch for 0 yards. He punted 3 times with a 20 yard average, with two landing in the 20. He also has 6 career fumbles to his name.
Crum came out of nowhere in 2019 and caught the attention of many. It was said he had a better deep ball accuracy than Joe Burrow. As he led Kent state to their first bowl victory. However, it's said Crum benefited from an offense that was "centered around a short and intermediate passing game." What NFL team from the AFC East does that sound like?
Although Crum started a few games before 2019, it wasn't until 2019 that Crum would become the starter, running Kent State's pro offense. Crum opted to take advantage of an extra year due to the pandemic and continued to be consistent with his passing. However, the same issues that scouts saw in 2020 appear to be what they saw in 2021.
Crum has average arm strength, comparable to Mac Jones and is more of a catcher than a center fielder's arm, with enough zip to get the ball into those tight windows. He throws the deep ball with touch and can hit guys over 50 yards deep. Excellent mechanics, teams won't have to waste a lot of time correcting.
Impatient but accurate and intelligent. Kent's offense was a lot of flats, quick slants, curls, drags, crossing routes, comebacks and screens. Has good timing and anticipation, cerebral when not under pressure. Needs to finish follow through of throwing motion when under pressure.
Robert Simpson wrote about crum, "Shows pinpoint short accuracy when throwing in rhythm, placing the ball well in tight windows away from defenders."
Crum is a literal rocket scientist (seriously), and uses that intelligence well on the football field. Excellent presnap work but it's the after the snap that needs some development.
Although he doesn't make a lot of mistakes, he appears to hear footsteps and gets rid of the ball to either the first or second read, instead of going through the progression when he has time. This could be due to the line he played with at Kent State. More confidence in his line could see him finish his reads and get even more accurate.
Crum can sometimes stare down his target in the pocket tipping his hand, which can hurt the offense but at the same time he fools defenders when on the move allowing him to make plays with both his arm and feet.
Deceptive speed like Rodgers, he's capable of fooling defenses with RPOs and rollouts. Very wiry and can change direction without losing speed, should ace the three cone drill.
Even though it appears Crum hears footsteps, he's not afraid to take hits and will fight for extra yards. Trying to bully smaller defenders with his 6'1" frame. Crum could use to add 15 - 20 pounds, being only 210 pounds. Crum could be used the way the steelers used Kordell Stewart or the way the Saints use Taysom Hill.
Crum served as the holder in 2018. He also punted for Kent on more than one occasion over his career. So he's not afraid to play out of position and can help the special teams if needed. Which will be great if he ends up a backup in 2022. Crum is what I call a true mobile pocket quarterback.
As typically with Kent quarterbacks, he is expected to fall to the sixth or seventh round as Kent gets no respect. Scouts admitted with regret that he was overlooked by bigger schools and has been compared to Ryan Fitzpatrick and Easton Stick. He also had a good showing leading up to the shrine bowl.
One scout in early 2021 said "if he don't make the NFL, he'll start in the CFL." Crum is a low risk, high reward selection on day three but could be worth grabbing on day two, potentially making him a medium risk project. For a mobile quarterback, Crum should have no issues running the Patriots offense.
Crum won't start over Mac but he's a good candidate to be a long term backup. The biggest knock against Crum is he doesn't like throwing high risk passes. He plays it safe and takes what the defense gives him. Today's amateur scouts and fans want a 60% plus chance of the ball being intercepted when a mobile quarterback throws. It's why they prefer guys like Cam Newton over safe guys like Tyrod Taylor. And why they won't like Crum, it's all about hitting the big play for them, like it's Madden 02. There's nothing wrong with taking the occasional risk but fans need to learn to appreciate ball security and dink and dunk mobile quarterbacks.
Kalon Barnes outside corner Baylor 5'11" 183 pounds, age 23. He played in 41 games (2018-2021). He had 3 interceptions with 14 passes defended. He had 68 tackles with a forced fumble.
Barnes's college career has basically been spent learning to play corner. And running a 4.23 forty, some pro team will continue the development. He'll start his career as a backup zone corner.
When it comes to man coverage Barnes needs to learn the fundamentals. He does show some man ability but he's extremely raw. However he does his best to stay with his assignment. Being a former receiver, Barnes is a much better zone defender and shows signs of being a potential ballhawk.
Barnes needs to learn to play the ball more as he's eager to make the tackle. However, when he focuses on thr ball, he does a good job at contesting it. Barnes also has to refine his tackling abilities as he shows he's willing to take on ball carriers. He can lineup in either side of the field.
Barnes track and receiver background could see him earn a spot on special teams. Especially if can take a returner role. His career will depend on how badly he wants to learn the position. Barnes is a late day three pick with comparisons to Fabian Washington and Isaiah Rodgers.
Aaron Hansford linebacker Texas A&M 6'2" 239 pounds, age 24. In 42 games (2017-2021) he had 157 tackles, with 7 sacks. He had 7 passes defended and 2 fumble recoveries. He also had 3 catches for 39 yards.
Does a good job in coverage as a zone defender. Knows what's going on in his quadrant but he needs to be a bigger presence before the ball is thrown. He's adequate in man to man covering ends and backs needs more understanding of man coverage assignments.
Decent blitzer with ability to play sideline to sideline. Shows the ability to blitz from multiple spots and levels. Shows ability to play the edge around the goal line.
Does an decent job with tackling. Gets to the ball carrier quickly and is willing to full holes and take on blockers. Is aware enough to find his way into the backfield.
Has the versatility to fill in on offense as an extra tight end. And could find time on offense in the goal line area
Needs development in every area he does positive. Is an intelligent defender but makes a lot of mental errors. He does appear to play at full speed. Should be a depth inside linebacker in year one. He has a few injuries thay have derailed his career and development. Hansford should see the field on passing downs but is still raw as he was a tight end early in his career.
He's a late day three prospect with comparisons to Damario Davis and Davion Taylor.
D.J. Davidson defensive tackle Arizona State 6'3" 327 pounds, age ??. Played in 37 games (2017-2021). Recorded 137 tackles with 5 sacks. Defended 6 passes and recovered 1 fumble.
A power defender with a huge wingspan that pushes the line backwards. An early down run defender that gets pads to level. He does a good job of shrinking the backfield on both the runners and the quarterback. He's capable and willing to chase down ball carriers when he's out of the play. He draws double teams and opens causes scheming problems.
The good thing is he finished in the top 10 in 4 combine drills and got himself some attention. The bench, vertical, 3 cone, and 20 yard shuttle
Needs to do a better job disengaging from blockers and keeping eyes up. His hand techniques also need improvement. Could use to develop some more muscle. He's got a lot of lower body power, he just doesn't consistently use it.
Davidson projects as another late day three candidate. He should be a backup nose tackle while he develops.
Reed Blankenship safety Middle Tennessee 6'1" 205 pounds, age 22. Played in 54 games (2017-2021). Compiled 9 interceptions with a pick six. Defend 19 passes. Had 3 forced fumbles and recovered 4. Totalled 419 tackles with 3 sacks. Averaged 9.64 yards on 11 punt returns.
An intelligent free Safety who has a knack for sniffing out the run. Plays it well in the nickle. He does a good job tackling pass catchers. He's ideal for the Duron Harmon safety role. Does a good job when playing zone. He could be developed into a starter. And has the versatility to play any safety role.
He's plenty fast enough to chase down receivers and to take on running backs. He's also shown the ability to contest passes. Blankenship is also a leader who can point out things and make adjustments.
He can be guilty of being too aggressive and also of giving things away with his eyes. He also needs more discipline in man coverage.
He has value not only as a return man but as a coverage guy on kicks and punts. And should be a good depth piece in the Patriots nickle early.
He's a day three prospect who is compared to Daniel Sorenson and Antonio Brooks. He did a good job of bringing attention to himself and now he's just gotta wait and see.
Luke Tenuta swing tackle Virginia Tech 6'8" 319 pounds, age 22.
Does a good job with hand techniques and setting the edge, especially in the pass but needs to play wider. Intelligent, not gonna make a lot of mental errors.
Is athletic enough to be used to pull. Does decent in his run blocking. He plays the with good form but still plays too high. Does well at keeping his balance. He moves well enough for his position.
Needs to do a better job at protecting his frame. And needs to find a way to play lower to better anchor the line. Although Tenuta is a development prospect from the end of the draft, there are some who believe he has potential with a good line coach to develop into a starter. Everyone saw what the Patriots did with Onwenu, so it's possible.
Tenuta's comparison is Sam Young.
There they are. Twenty four draft profiles on some New England Patriots prospects. If between draft picks and UDFA's at least one of these guys aren't in camp come August, I'll be shocked. Most people I think believe Araiza will be a Patriots but I think Sterns out of every prospect listed, including Hawaii's Turner, will be the in Foxboro for the preseason. What do you think?
Quick update (March 21, 2022): With Bentley, Mack, McCourty, Trent Brown, the Patriots have moved some needs to day two mid rounds. At least two of my offensive line projections can play guard. Waiting for the draft and certified free agent period to end.
