Breaking this week down by prospects that are eligible and expected to declare (or have indicated that they have a decision). We’re keeping it more focused on the Patriots. Scouting reports in italics along with rationale for the Patriots. New England loves players from both schools. Not only does Alabama coach Nick Saban have his connection with Bill Belichick, but Georgia coach Kirby Smart is a Saban disciple.
*Assuming the Patriots select at number 24th in the draft.
FIRST ROUND PROSPECTS
Alabama LT #73 Evan Neal (Jr, 6'7, 350): He won’t be available when the Patriots are on the clock.
Top 5 pick. He’s very good in the pass and run game (16 pressures, no sacks, 1 penalty this season). He’s played RT and LG in his career so he’s positionally flexible as a rookie. His size and athleticism make him a fit for any scheme. I expect him to be the first tackle selected in the draft.
Alabama WR #1 Jameson Williams (Jr, 6'2, 190): I do think the Patriots do a deep dive on him but he’s not a traditional selection for them. I think he’s a bigger DeSean Jackson and not likely to be available when the Patriots pick. A lot of Patriots fans will be interested in him because of his game-breaking potential.
Has elite speed and he explodes out of his breaks to get on defenders. Once Jameson has the ball in his hands, he is dangerous (1,507 receiving yards and 15 TDs). Over 30% of his catches went for over 30 yards. While it’s a deep WR class, he’s a first-rounder. He dominated Georgia in the SEC Championship and if he has another big game then Alabama will likely win the National Title.
Georgia LB #17 Nakobe Dean (Jr, 6'0, 225): He doesn’t fit the traditional mold of an interior LB for the Patriots (he’ll need to be protected by his line in the NFL) but he's a bonafide player. Dean plays with great speed, he’s a leader, and he’s smart. He may not be available when the Patriots select, but he (along with Utah’s Devin Lloyd and Wyoming’s Chad Muma) will be at the top of their LB board.
The leader of the Georgia defense and he displayed his skillset in the game against Michigan. He had 5 pressures, 6 tackles, 1 FF, and had a great play in coverage. He plays with great energy and physicality. His athleticism translates to the football field, and he stacks the stat sheet in different ways. I am not going to say he’s going to be a Hall of Famer; this isn’t First Take, but he reminds me of Ray Lewis coming out of Miami.
Georgia DT #99 Jordan Davis (Sr, 6'6, 340): His fit is for a team that needs to improve their run defense (think Chargers, Steelers). While it’s great to imagine him next to Christian Barmore for the next 6-8 years, I don’t think the Patriots will select him in Round 1 just because he’s not an every-down player. I do think they will like the player and would consider him if they moved back or into Round 2.
Virtually impossible to single block in the run game and very difficult to run at directly. He’s never going to have big sacks numbers, but he could do a better job getting hands up to deflect passes. However, he's a real threat to block a kick. I compare him to former Jacksonville Jaguar, John Henderson.
Georgia DE #44 Travon Walker (Jr, 6'5, 275): He’s going to get picked higher than his stats would indicate. He fits the Patriots' size, skillset, and they’ll really like his versatility. But given his lack of production, they’ll have to feel really good about the intangibles and upside to take him in Round 1.
Great combination of size and versatility. He can win with quickness against guards and when he's on the edge he isn't a complete liability dropping into coverage. His best position in the NFL is on the edge, but he'll be scheme versatile. Walker could be a strong-side DE that has a very productive career. He only has 5 sacks (including one against Michigan), but he leads the team in QB hurries.
Alabama safety Jordan Battle
SECOND-THIRD ROUND PROSPECTS
Alabama FS #9 Jordan Battle (Jr, 6'1, 210): The Patriots need to think about a backup plan for Devin McCourty. Battle will be part of their positional evaluation and a potential target in Round 2.
All-SEC First Team and several All-America honors. He has played a lot for the Tide over the last few years. He offers some versatility, with the ability to play in the box, slot, or deep safety. He had a key pick six in the SEC Championship against Georgia.
Alabama DL #48 Phidarian Mathis (RSr, 6'4, 312): He has an NFL body which would allow him to be a rotational player right away at the next level. He could play outside in the 3-4 and bump inside on third down which is appealing. He would fit the Patriots program and while depth is needed, DL is not a top need.
The leader along the defensive line, relying on power and hustle to produce 49 tackles, 12 TFL, and 9 sacks. He was voted All-SEC Second Team by conference coaches. He started the year as a Day 3 pick, and he’s played himself into the Top 75. Good against the run, plays disciplined gap control, and has ability to get off blocks.
Georgia FS #16 Lewis Cine (Jr, 6'1, 210): He’ll be part of the safety evaluation, but I think he’s more of a fit at strong safety. Therefore, duplicative to Kyle Duggar and Adrian Phillips.
The safety is second on the team in tackles and PBUs. He shows decent range and is not afraid to come up to deliver a big hit (he knocked Kyle Pitts out of a game last year). Alabama made some plays on him in the SEC Championship. He's been playing since his freshman season and he’s consistent.
Georgia OLB #4 Nolan Smith (Jr, 6'3, 235): I like the potential and his versatility but he’s duplicative to what they already have, especially since those players (Josh Uche, Chase Winovich) aren’t seeing the field.
Really good college football player and Georgia asks him to do multiple things in their defense. At the next level, I see him more as an off-the-ball LB that brings great pass rush potential. Based on his instincts, and athletic make-up, I think he’s selected in the first 75 picks.
Georgia RB #3 Zamir White (Jr, 6'0, 215): Good player and he’d fit in New England but duplicative to what’s already on the roster.
Leader of a very talented 4-man RB rotation. White has NFL RB size and can run effectively between the tackles. He won’t make a lot of people miss at the next level, but he has good vision, gets square and can gain YAC. For those of you who play fantasy football, good potential under-the-radar pick. Top 75 draft selection.
Alabama LB #8 Christian Harris (Jr, 6'2, 232): He has the upside to be a starter in the NFL and therefore he should be considered. If the Patriots went LB early, I’d want it to be someone that’s an alpha leader or very good in coverage. If they selected Harris ideally because he’s dropped and there’s more value.
He has great potential and was tabbed as the next in the recent lineage of Tide standout LBs (which includes Dont’a Hightower). He looks the part and has three-down capabilities but he’s a challenging evaluation. He flashes the ability to do a lot but doesn’t show it on every play, especially against the pass.
Georgia WR #1 George Pickens (Jr, 6'3, 200): For the Patriots, Pickens could be an intriguing prospect because we know how much they love value and need long-term WR help. He won’t go as early as his talent indicates and they haven’t shied away from players with an injury history if they’re convinced the medicals won’t be a long-term issue. If (and it’s a big one) they get comfortable with his football first mindset and other intangibles, he’s one to watch.
Missed the offseason and virtually all this season with an ACL tear. He has plus body control with the ability to beat man coverage with size and speed. He has a first-round skillset, but the injury history and his maturity will be the most important factor in his draft stock.
Alabama RB #4 Brian Robinson Jr. (RSr, 6'1, 225): The Patriots have power running backs next year with Rhamondre Stevenson and former Tide teammate Damien Harris. Not a Day 1 or Day 2 priority.
He was the star against Cincinnati. (26 carries for 204 yards). He’s a one-cut back that runs with purpose, and he can punish the tackler if they don't pack their lunch. Over 60% of his yards come after contact. Robinson has NFL size and wiggle and would be a solid pick in the 3rd round.
Georgia DT #95 Devonte Wyatt (Sr, 6'3, 315): He’s a darling of PFF but he would be a rotational depth piece along the line. Think Byron Cowart replacement.
One of the starting defensive tackles who has plus athleticism, especially lateral quickness for the position. Not a very deep DT class this year which makes him a Top 100 type player.
Georgia LB #7 Quay Walker (Sr, 6'4, 240): He fits the profile of a Patriots linebacker. He’ll need some time in the crockpot to develop but the upside is tantalizing.
He has ideal size for an NFL linebacker (6-foot-4, 240 pounds). He’s started every game and has outstanding tape in some games which teases his potential. Difficult evaluation with all the talent around him (they are just so dominating at so many positions) but with the intangibles he could go much higher than his stats would indicate.
LB #41 Channing Tindall (Sr, 6'2, 230): He’s not an immediate starter and he would need seasoning before seeing the field. He would be an asset in a game against a team like the Titans or Ravens.
Has really come on this season, and he was dominating in the game against the Tennessee Vols. Those inside the program say he's the guy you want in the "dark alley". Great speed, decent size and he hits like an 18-wheeler.
Georgia CB #11 Derion Kendrick (Sr, 6'0, 190): Not a fit for the Patriots program.
The Clemson transfer has some off-field concerns that will need to be addressed at the NFL Combine and via draft interviews. Solid size, aggressive style, experience, and athleticism for a corner. He’d be a better zone corner at the next level. He delivered 2 INTs last week against Michigan.
Georgia RB James Cook
DAY 3 PROSPECTS
Georgia RB #4 James Cook (Sr, 5'11,190): Going forward, Mac Jones having his version of James White, Shane Vereen, Kevin Faulk, etc. is important. If the Patriots target a third-down back in the draft, then Cook would be a fit.
Brother of current Viking, Dalvin Cook, he runs with the same style. He’s been a bit more explosive than Zamir White this year (averages 6.1 YPC and 7 TDs). Cook is a receiving weapon out of the backfield (led the team with 99 yards against Michigan) and he has very good speed.
Alabama TE #19 Jahleel Billingsley (Jr, 6'4, 230): Not a fit for the Patriots program. Highly rated coming into the season but he's been in Nick Saban and Bill O'Brien's doghouse. He needs more polish, bulk, and more importantly consistency for the NFL game. That said, he's a great athlete (he runs and looks like a WR) and with the injury to John Metchie, I expect the Tide to try and lean on him. He's a physical mismatch for linebackers and most safeties.
Georgia LT #69 Jamaree Salyer (Sr, 6'4, 325): It’s good business to select at least one lineman in the draft. Patriots may be inclined to focus on tackle, but versatility will be an important attribute in any analysis. Salyer’s NFL future is at guard, he’s a better fit for a running offense, and his performance against Michigan’s top prospects will help improve his evaluation.
Best lineman for the Bulldogs. He’s a good athlete with strong mirroring technique. He can drive people off the ball in the run game. He has power at the point of attack.
Alabama LB #10 Henry To'o To'o (Jr, 6'2, 228): Good intangibles but not a fit for the Patriots because of his size, lack of ability to play through blockers. If they were going smaller, you’d want the LB to be better against the pass.
The Tennessee transfer led the Crimson Tide in tackles (106). He’s not thumper, more track and trace, and relies on athleticism and smarts to make tackles. Saban does say praise his communication and leadership.
Georgia LG #54 Justin Shaffer (RSr, 6'4, 330): I expect better options to be available for the Patriots unless it’s very late in the draft. Road grader in the run game and the Bulldogs will look to run behind him. He can be beaten in the pass game by more athletic defenders.
Alabama TE #81 Cameron Latu (RJr, 6'5, 250): Not ready for a starting role in the NFL but he has the size and traits to potentially develop into a solid starter. Unlikely they’d target TE in this draft with the current depth chart but if they did it would be a value pick late on Day 3.
Started his career as a DE and converted to TE. He's adept at moving the chains and he's a key red zone target for the Tide (he scored against Michigan). Competes hard in the run game. He'll have a draft decision after the game.
Georgia TE #86 John FitzPatrick (RJr, 6'7, 250): They don’t have enough selections in the 2022 draft to make this pick, but he’d be a valuable option very late in the draft. Like when they selected Lee Smith out of Marshall (current Falcon). Plays 30+ snaps a game because he's one of the best run blocking TE's in the country.
Alabama CB #5 Jalyn-Armour Davis (RJr, 6’1, 192): He would need a redshirt year before being ready to fully contribute. Intriguing late pick because of the program. Led the team in INTs and didn’t give up an TD all season (was Second-Team All-SEC). He has NFL size and improved as the year went along. He didn’t play much prior to this season and he’s not fully healthy for the National Title game.
Georgia SS #29 Christopher Smith (Sr, 5'11, 190): Testing and speed numbers will be important, but I expect better options to be available. Solid performer for the Bulldogs this season. He had the biggest play of the season, a pick 6 against Clemson to put Georgia ahead (neither offense scored a TD). He wasn't fully healthy against Alabama (his knee, shoulder isn’t a 100% according to reports) and that really hurt Georgia in the last matchup.
Georgia SCB #36 Latavious Brini (RSr, 6'2, 210): Patriots tend to want their slot corners to be quick and competitive. Not a fit for the program. One of the better slot corners in the SEC. Tied for team lead with 8 PBUs. Has the size to support the run. He did not play in the SEC Championship and hurt the Bulldogs.