Taking a closer look at what the Patriots currently have on the roster, and the top draft prospects at each position.
Previously:
We’re a local site with a local focus and so let’s target local NFL Draft prospects from New England high schools and colleges:
Potential First-Rounders
iOL Zion Johnson, BC (6-2, 312): Started his career at Davidson before playing the last 3 years at BC. He’s played guard and tackle, with BC moving him back inside to guard this year (that serves him better in pass protection). Really smart guy who will be a technician at the next level. His best traits are his footwork, very strong anchor, and low pad level. Teams will love his intangibles as a person, a learner, and a leader. While stout, he's not very tall and some teams may see him more as a center, but that versatility helps him. A good comparison is former Patriot, Shaq Mason.
NT Travis Jones, UConn (6-4, 325): We’ve written about the Huskies' nose tackle several times. He could be more consistent, but he has the build and potential to be a top-tier nose tackle. He’s had one of the best draft cycles of any player that will be selected. Likely Round 2 but there’s a chance he slips into the back of Round 1.
Day 2 (Rounds 2 and 3)
TE Isaiah Likely, Coastal Carolina (6-4, 245): The Everett native had a highly productive season (59 catches, 912 yards, 12 TDs). He’s not a true in-line TE in the pro game but more of an athletic, move TE. He'll compete blocking, he’s a tough kid, but that’s not his game and he'll be challenged in the NFL.
I watched him closely at the Senior Bowl. His movements resemble a large wide receiver, he’s quick and he offers plus YAC ability. He led all college TEs in TDs this year and a crazy 27 over his collegiate career. There was a chance for him to be Day 2 pick, but he ran a slower 40 time (4.82). I think a good comparison is somewhere between Seahawk TE Gerald Everett and former Titan Delanie Walker. He has a chance to go late third round.
Early Day 3 (4th-5th Round)
OC Alec Lindstrom, BC (6-3, 296): I have the Dudley native ranked as the fifth center in the draft, which projects him to be a 5th or 6th rounder. He has good bloodlines: brother is Chris is a good player for the Falcons and a former first-round pick. He's the fourth player in BC history to be First-Team All-ACC twice. The other three were Luke Kuechly, Anthony Castonzo, and A.J. Dillon. He’s reportedly well regarded within the program by the coaching staff. Alec does a good job using his athleticism to climb to the second level and recovers well, he’s very good against the pass. He may struggle against bigger bodies at the next level. He’ll start his career as a depth player.
OL Andrew Stueber, Michigan (6-7, 325): The Darien, Conn. native is a captain, with plus football intelligence, and offers has positional versatility. There’s some belief that his position in the NFL is at guard to protect him (that’s where he largely played at the Senior Bowl). While he battles, he'll need to be a better technician at the next level. He’s a depth pick who should make a roster.
OT Ryan Van Demark, UConn (6-6, 305): Starting left tackle and team captain for the Huskies. He started 43 games, never missed one to injury, and is considered a smart leader within the program. While he’ll need to add strength, he has the ideal tackle frame for the NFL. He probably comes off the board Round 5 or 6.
Late Day 3 and Priority Free Agent
QB E.J. Perry, Brown (6-2, 211): The Andover native was the Boston Globe's Division 1 Player of the Year in high school and finished second career passing yards for the MIAA. He didn't play much at BC and went down to Brown where his uncle, James Perry, is the head coach. He played well in 2019 and lost a year in 2020. Came back this year and was All-Ivy and then went on to win the MVP of the Shrine Bowl.
He’s a natural leader that plays with good awareness. Arm strength, accuracy, and mechanics need improvement but that’s to be expected (at this stage and his profile). His biggest red flag is the 27 INTs over the last 2 seasons. As part of his evaluation, teams will see if there are other ways to use his athleticism (4.65 speed) and that may help him make a roster. But ideally, with more playing experience, his competitiveness, and the traits he’d be worth a roster spot (easy practice squad). Note: For the Patriots the back of the draft doesn’t have much QB depth. Perry may end up being a late-round pick, but he’d be a great priority signing for the Patriots.
OT Tyler Vrabel, BC (6-5, 315): Patriots/NFL fans know the name because his father, Mike, is the head coach of the Titans and a franchise great. Tyler was a three-year starter (34 games) for the Eagles, but I was surprised he declared with a year of eligibility remaining. He may not get drafted. He has good size and strength that he uses to impose his will in the run game. He struggled this year at BC (he was injured most of the season) especially with speed or high agility rushers. There could be potential in the right system but he’ll start on a practice squad.
TE Trae Barry, BC (6-6, 250): He was a productive player at Jacksonville State (FCS) before transferring to BC for his senior season. He was hurt by BC’s inconsistent passing game (starting QB got hurt early in the year). He’s more of a move tight end at the next level but playing BC this year should have helped his blocking acumen. Priority free agent with the opportunity to develop.
LB Isaiah Graham-Mobley, BC (6-1, 230): Transfer from Temple was the starting middle linebacker for the Eagles this year. He was a surprise combine invite that does have some athleticism, but his path to a roster spot is via special teams. He has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career so he doesn’t have a ton of experience and his medicals will be important.
OG Ben Petrula, BC (6-5, 315): Started as a freshman and he has a ton of playing experience (60 games started). He received some form of All-ACC honors every year. May be athletically limited at the next level but he’s tough and has played all over the line of scrimmage for BC. Depth piece for an NFL team will the hope that he’ll make a practice squad in year one.
DE Josh Onujiogu, Framingham State (6-3, 252): Not often you see a prospect from Division 3, never mind from one Framingham State. But the Wareham native will end up in an NFL camp. To state the obvious, he’s not a finished product but he has some rushing traits that are intriguing.
SS Brad Hawkins, Michigan (6-0, 207): Prepped at Suffield Academy (CT) for a year before attending Michigan. Set the school record for games played (56) and was considered a team leader on the recent run to the semi-final. Good college player but he doesn’t do anything elite athletically. He’ll need to make a roster with special teams.