Ten new draft picks and many more Undrafted Free Agents (UDFAs) will be making their way to New England.\u00a0 I doubt there will be a rookie mini-camp.\u00a0 More likely they will have general Zoom chats with the new players and then have position specific meetings with their position coaches.<\/p>\n
I now understand why no Wide Receivers were drafted by the Patriots.\u00a0 Thanks to Doug Kyed from NESN for posting his performance spreadsheet for the top draft eligible players.\u00a0 What it showed was that only one of the top receivers met the minimum performance requirement in the 3-cone drill.\u00a0 The Patriots more than any other teams rely on this measurement as an indication of quickness rather than straight line speed.\u00a0 Many of the top receivers refused to perform the drill at the combine because they were afraid that it would hurt them by exposing they were just straight line fast.\u00a0 The Patriots received some undo criticism for not taking a receiver in the draft despite this being what was called the best WR draft in history.\u00a0 The Patriots made up for it in signing 4 slot WR\u2019s as UDFAs.\u00a0 Will Hastings (Auburn) ran a 6.55 3-cone at his Pro Day.\u00a0 This after recovering from two ACL injuries.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sean Riley (Syracuse) ran an even better 6.41.\u00a0 Julian Edelman set the bar at 6.66.\u00a0 The Patriots standard is 6.89 for WR.<\/p>\n
Un-Drafted Free Agent Class<\/strong><\/p>\n WR Will Hastings Auburn 5\u201910\u2019 175# – 4.51 40, 6.55 3-come, 4.03 SS<\/strong><\/p>\n Hastings is a fascinating story \u2013 he received no D1 offers despite being only the 2nd<\/sup> player in Arkansas HS history to have 2000 receiving yards in a season.\u00a0 Hastings played for Pulaski HS.\u00a0 Their coach does not believe in punting and he goes for an on-side kick after every score.\u00a0 I had read about this years ago.\u00a0 Hastings was the designated onside kick specialist.\u00a0 He sent out a recruiting highlight tape and Auburn responded to his onside kick specialty giving him a preferred walk on offer (no scholarship). \u00a0He took it and gambled on himself.\u00a0 A receiver went down in practice and Hastings got an opportunity and ran with it.\u00a0 He was Jarrett Stidham\u2019s slot receiver during his Junior year at Auburn.\u00a0 During Hastings Senior year he injured his ACL and lost some time.\u00a0 He came back but injured it again, losing the remainder of the season.\u00a0 He was ready for his Pro Day (one of the few that actually occurred \u2013 see times above).\u00a0 He is light and has small hands which might be an issue.\u00a0 He is also a return specialist.\u00a0 Hastings received a $57,500 guaranteed contract with a $7500 Signing Bonus.<\/p>\n WR Sean Riley Syracuse 5\u20198\u201d 175# – 4.42 40, 6.41 3 Cone, 3.99 SS<\/strong><\/p>\n Riley had a much better Junior year than Senior season due to well documented QB issues at Syracuse.\u00a0 Terrific return man finishing 3rd<\/sup> all-time in ACC with 115 returns.\u00a0 Accounted for 4, 358 all-purpose yards in his career. \u00a0Again size could be an issue.<\/p>\n WR Jeff Thomas Miami<\/strong><\/p>\n well documented issues by Steve Balestrieri \u2013 only received $2500 guaranteed contract.<\/p>\n WR Isaiah Zuber Mississippi St 5\u2019 11\u201d 184 – 4.42 40<\/strong><\/p>\n Played three season at Kansas St and transferred as a grad student.\u00a0 Expected big things but they never materialized.\u00a0 As a Junior led Big 12 in Punt Return average.\u00a0 Had 52 catches for 619 yards and 5 TDs. \u00a0He had 50 catches as a Soph as well.\u00a0 Played in every game over his three years at K State. \u00a0\u00a0Had offseason hip surgery before Senior year.\u00a0 Played in all 13 games but only managed 14 catches for 211 yards and 2 TD\u2019s.<\/p>\n QB J\u2019Mar Smith Louisiana Tech 6\u2019 228 <\/strong><\/p>\n Three starter, Junior year 3,160 yards 15 TD 10 Int 57.3 comp %. Senior 2,814 yards 17 TD with 4 Int 65.8 Comp %\u00a0 and 1st<\/sup> team all Conference USA.\u00a0\u00a0 Trains with Tom Shaw, Tom Brady\u2019s passing guru.\u00a0 Suspended the last two games of the regular season and took responsibility for breaking the team rule.\u00a0 Was reinstated for the post season game against Miami (14- 0 win).\u00a0 A mobile quarterback received $30K in guaranteed money.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n QB Brian Lewerke Michigan St 6\u20192\u201d 213 –\u00a0 4.95 40. 7.18 3 cone<\/strong><\/p>\n Lewerke is somewhat of an enigma.\u00a0 He had a brilliant sophomore season with 20 TD passes to 7 Int and rushing for 559 yards and 5 more TDs.\u00a0 However he took a step back the next two seasons.\u00a0 He never regained that promise of the sophomore year.\u00a0 A three year starter and 2 time captain.\u00a0 Perhaps some coaching can clean up some mechanical flaws and instill some confidence back into Lewerke.\u00a0 If nothing else he is a camp arm.\u00a0 Never completed 60% of his passes in any one season.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n TE Rashod Berry Ohio St. 6\u20193\u201d263 – 4.77 40 (est),<\/strong><\/p>\n Berry had 17 catches for 417 yards and 4 TDs over his career at Ohio St.\u00a0 As a senior he only had 2 catches due to numerous injuries pushing him down the depth chart.\u00a0 He played more of an H back\/ fullback role.\u00a0 He also played DE.\u00a0 Played in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl with two catches for 54 yds but had a big fumble. \u00a0With James Devlin announcing his retirement, could Berry be a replacement?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n TE Jake Burt Boston College 6\u20193\u201d 260 – 4.92 40 est<\/strong><\/p>\n Burt had the opportunity to take over the TE position at BC after Tommy Sweeney left for the Pros.\u00a0 He had 6 other TEs he split time with never taking control.\u00a0 His career numbers 23 receptions for 307 yards and 2 TDs.\u00a0 He did have nearly half of his receptions (9) for first downs. He was targeted 2 times as a Senior and had 15 catches.\u00a0 It was reported he received an $80K guaranteed contract.\u00a0 That would seem very high for someone with limited production in college.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n RB JJ Taylor 5\u20195\u201d185 – 4.61 40, 33\u201d Vert 7.0 3 cone<\/strong><\/p>\n Taylor is a very productive and exciting college player.\u00a0 He just isn\u2019t very tall.\u00a0 He is fearless as he is actually more of an inside runner for a player standing 5\u2019 5\u201d.\u00a0 As a true freshman he ran 38 times for 261 yards (6.9 YPC) until sidelined after 4 games with a broken ankle.\u00a0 For his career he had 3,363 yds rushing, 18 TDs; 48 receptions 421 yds and another 2 TDs.\u00a0 His KO returns were 41 for 988 (24.09 per return) and another TD.\u00a0 Not as shifty nor fast.\u00a0 Doesn\u2019t have that second gear.\u00a0 I think of \u201cMini\u201d Mack Herron when seeing Taylor.\u00a0 I think he will be a fan favorite in camp.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n CB Myles Bryant Washington 5\u2019 8\u201d, 183# – 4.62 40, 6.81 3 cone <\/strong><\/p>\n Why Bryant wasn\u2019t drafted is beyond me?\u00a0 Perhaps his height and 4.62 40.\u00a0 His 3 \u2013cone is good and within the Patriots standard for the position.\u00a0 Had three INT as a senior despite teams not throwing his way (14 of 21 passes were completed in front of him for 0 TDs). \u00a025 starts the last two years with 129 tackles and teams not throwing his way.\u00a0 Their loss our gain.\u00a0 It will be tough making the team but a possible Practice Squad is likely.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n LB Kyahva Tezino San Diego St 6\u2019 235#<\/strong><\/p>\n Three year starter at ILB.\u00a0 A hard hitter in limited space.\u00a0 Not good when he has to move.\u00a0 Has trouble covering TE\u2019s.\u00a0 Patriots paid him a hefty guaranteed salary of $70k.\u00a0 Sounds like a replacement for Elandon Roberts.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n LB De\u2019Jon Harris Arkansas 6\u2019 234# – 4.69 40, 7.38 3 cone <\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cScoota\u201d is a three year starter in the SEC.\u00a0 Each year he had over 100 tackles per season, leading the SEC in tackles as a Junior with 118 tackles.\u00a0 Powerful and physical player without much range.\u00a0 Strictly a two down player.\u00a0 Will need to impress on Special Teams in order to make a team.\u00a0 Obviously the Pats wanted him by guaranteeing $150K salary with a $25K Signing Bonus.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n DT Bill Murray William and Mary 6\u20194\u201d 300 – 4.93 40 (TEST Pro Day) 30 reps @225# <\/strong><\/p>\n Murray is a strong player with narrow shoulders (and undersized shoulder pads).\u00a0 143 career tackles fo the three year starter.\u00a0 He had 10 blocked kicks and 19 sacks for his career.\u00a0\u00a0 Souting report about Murray says that he was a much leaner, quick and athletic player at the Pro Day than what they had scouted in September.\u00a0 Played in the College Gridiron Classic and met with about 20 teams, with NE the first one listed.<\/p>\n DT Courtney Wallace Louisiana Tech\u00a0 6\u20192\u201d 305# – 5.24 est<\/strong><\/p>\n Not much written about Wallace as he didn\u2019t play until his Senior year.\u00a0 He had 42 tackles and two sacks in 2019.\u00a0 Perhaps he is a late bloomer.\u00a0\u00a0 One ranking had him as number 117.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n DE Trevon Hill Miami\u00a0 6\u2019 3\u201d 248# – 4.89 40<\/strong><\/p>\n Hill started 12 games as a Sophmore at Virginia Tech (5.5 sacks) and 2 of 3 games as a Junior before his dismissal from the team.\u00a0 He got into a confrontation with a member of the coaching staff at Halftime of a the Old Dominion game and subsequently kicked off the team.\u00a0 Interesting that coach Fuentes kept Hill on scholarship and he received his degree from Virginia Tech.\u00a0 He transferred to Miami as a Grad student and played in 2019 making 29 tackles and 4.5 sacks in 12 games.\u00a0 Like teammate Jeff Thomas Hill has been granted an opportunity.\u00a0 Lets see what he can do with it.\u00a0 Hill was seen as a leader on the Hurricanes squad according to Coach Diaz, a difficult thing to do as a one year player coming in as Grad Student.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n DE Nick Coe Auburn 6\u2019 5\u201d 280 – 4.89 40 <\/strong><\/p>\n See Steve Balestrieri\u2019s profile of Coe.\u00a0 Was recognized as all Freshman team in SEC.\u00a0\u00a0 Started 10 of 11 games as a Sophomore before breaking his wrist and missing the last two games.\u00a0 Recorded 7.5 sacks that season.\u00a0 Couldn\u2019t regain his starting job in 2019, ultimately being \u201cheld out\u201d of the Arkansas game for not meeting the team\u2019s practice standards.\u00a0 He fell asleep in a team meeting. \u00a0That won\u2019t happen here.\u00a0 If it does, he won\u2019t be here long.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Got to give a shout out to James Develin upon the announcement of his retirement.\u00a0 He was the single reason the Patriots running game took a step backwards last year.\u00a0 Develin was a bulldozer at fullback clearing the way for Sony Michel and his 6 post season TDs.\u00a0 Develin came up as a DL from Brown University, played in the United Football League for the Florida Tuskers and head coach Jay Gruden.\u00a0 Complications from a neck injury last season forced his decision to retire.\u00a0 I don\u2019t think we have seen the last of Devlin.\u00a0 He was like having another coach on the field and last season could be seen patrolling the sidelines.\u00a0 Devlin has an Engineering degree form Brown.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The NFL and their partners ABC, ESPN and the NFL Network did a terrific job with the Draft.\u00a0 Their theme of hope was constantly reinforced by the feel good moments of celebration by those players selected and celebrating with their families.\u00a0 The Draft-A-Thon raised another $6M bringing the total raised to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic to $100M.\u00a0 The ratings were through the roof, up an average of 35%.\u00a0 Their messages of support for those on the front lines battling the pandemic were enlightening.\u00a0 The only part I didn\u2019t like were the musical interludes and the piped in boos for the Commissioner.\u00a0 I would keep it a virtual event and I would hire a professional emcee replacing the commissioner.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Something that has slid under the wire was CBS hiring of Charles Davis to be the #2 Analyst replacing Dan Fouts.\u00a0 Davis made the decision on April 10th<\/sup> but a contract has not been signed and no formal announcement has been made.\u00a0 Fouts contract ended with the conclusion of this football year and will not be renewed.\u00a0 Davis has been an analyst for NFL Networks draft coverage as well as a game analyst for FOX\u00a0 NFL broadcasts.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Another curious item was the Patriots selection of TE\u2019s Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene.\u00a0 Asiasi was the top rated TE by many NFL GMs according to NBC Sports Boston Phil Perry.\u00a0 The selection of Asiasi at #91 was immediately followed by Green Bay taking Josiah Deguara at #94.\u00a0 The Pats must have realized GB was interested in a TE and made the move up to jump Green Bay and secure their man.\u00a0 A similar thing happened with Dalton Keene at #101.\u00a0 The Pats made an unprecedented trade with the rival New York Jets to insure they secured Keene.\u00a0 New Orleans traded up 4 picks later to take Adam Trautman.\u00a0 Did you know that Asiasi and Keene were roommates at the Combine!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Lots of controversy concerning Patriots draft pick Justin Rohrwasser\u2019s 3% tattoo.\u00a0 This tattoo is linked to a right wing paramilitary organization.\u00a0\u00a0 When asked about it by the Athletics Jeff Howe, Rohrwasser explained that he got the tattoo as a teenager and didn\u2019t know what it really stood for.\u00a0 His family has several members in the military and this was a tribute to them.\u00a0 He claims that the 3% movement doesn\u2019t represent him and said it will be covered up.\u00a0 Given the Aaron Hernandez fallout, the team must have done its due diligence on Rohrwasser.\u00a0 The Patriots had Rohrwasser take a psychological test.\u00a0 I am sure it was to determine if he did in fact have radical right wing tendencies.\u00a0 This issue is not going away quietly.\u00a0 I cannot judge the validity of some claims of former URI students on twitter, but if true, they are not complimentary.\u00a0 Rohrwasser has a big leg and is a big man at 6\u20193\u201d 230 lbs.\u00a0 He won the Coach Zauner Senior kicking combine (see it on You Tube).\u00a0\u00a0 The Zauner kicking combine is the place where NFL specialist are chosen from.\u00a0 He made several kicks between 44-61 yards and missed from 64 yards.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Ten new draft picks and many more Undrafted Free Agents (UDFAs) will be making their way to New England.\u00a0 I also now understand why the Patriots didn’t draft a receiver.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":26789,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2281,2216],"tags":[2269,2282,2217,2315],"class_list":["post-28379","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-2020-patriots-draft","category-2020-patriots-offseason","tag-2020-nfl-draft","tag-2020-patriots-draft","tag-2020-patriots-offseason","tag-2020-patriots-udfa"],"yoast_head":"\n