Combine is king, but for under-the-radar prospects, Pro Days are often best way to grab Patriots' attention

Over the next week, Patriots’ fans, you’re going to fall in love.

Maybe it’s with a lightning-quick receiver who can take the top off the defense. Perhaps a pass-rushing defensive end will win your heart. Or you might see the quarterback you firmly believe to be The Next One. They will all be there in Indy for the scouting combine, angling to impress each one of the 32 teams.

But it’s important to remember not to go all-in this week. The scouting combine may make for great reality television — all that’s missing is the rose ceremony at the end of the 40. The answers to the question: “Who did you meet with?” will provoke a ton of reading between the lines. There will be an unquestioned underdog who will become a household name heading into the draft. And if we’re lucky, we’ll get a few choice Bill Belichick memes.

But at the same time, the truth of the matter is a bunch of guys who have been key parts of the Patriots’ three Super Bowls in the last five years didn’t get the call to the combine. That includes Julian Edelman, David Andrews, Duron Harmon, Brandon King, Nate Ebner and James Develin.

That’s not to dismiss the importance of the combine. It’s just important to note -- especially this week -- that New England’s pre-draft approach means there are more subplots than what might happen on a March weekend in Indy.

Basically, if you’re a prospect who doesn’t get invited, don’t despair: Teddy Karras is a member of the Patriots who didn’t get picked to go to the combine following his senior year at Illinois, but his simple philosophy is maybe the best approach for a prospect who might not get invited.