MOBILE, Ala. — We previewed the Shrine Bowl at the end of last week. I am at the Senior Bowl this week to have eyes on the prospects.
Here’s what and who I am focused on:
I’ll be heavily focused on the OTs because it’s such a huge area of need for the Patriots. There are several prospects that I’ve been higher on, so I am looking forward to seeing them against top competition.
Senior Bowl Names to Watch: OT - Blake Freeland (BYU), Dawand Jones (Ohio St), Jaelyn Duncan (Maryland), Darnell Wright (Tennessee)
By nature of the matchups, I’ll also be looking at Edge. Without Matthew Judon staying healthy and being their best player, and even Josh Uche establishing himself, this defense would have been in trouble. You can never have enough pass rush. So, I’ll be looking for a Day 2 or Day 3 target.
Edge - Dylan Horton (TCU), KJ Henry (Clemson), Keion White (GT), Isaiah Foskey (Notre Dame)
DB and WR are both areas of need. I don’t know if there are any Round 1 players but good depth at both positions. I was hoping to see CB Devon Witherspoon from Illinois. He pulled out of the game but he’s a potential Round 1 target. Remember the name.
CB - Julius Brents (Kansas St), Riley Moss (Iowa St), Jakorian Bennett (Maryland), Rejzohn Wright (Oregon St), CB Tyrique Stevenson (Miami)
WR - Andrei Iosivas (Princeton), Rashee Rice (SMU), Tank Dell (Houston), Jayden Reed (Michigan St), Dontayvion Wicks (Virginia)
I’ll be looking at TE closely, especially the matchups with the FS’, both are areas the Patriots need to develop long term.
TE - Luke Musgrave (Oregon St), Cameron Latu (Alabama), Davis Allen (Clemson)
S - Christopher Smith II (Georgia), Jammie Robinson (FSU), Sydney Brown (Illinois)
I think it’s possible Patriots draft another RB, they need a solid third down back and hopefully that’s Pierre Strong. Either way, I expect them to draft a LB, preferably one with a little more athleticism. The practices aren’t the best forum for RBs and LBs in the running game, but it does demonstrate their athleticism defending the pass.
RB - Kenny McIntosh (Georgia), Tyjae Spears (Tulane), Chase Brown (Illinois), Eric Gray (Oklahoma) Dorian Williams (Tulane), DeMarvion Overshown (Texas), Daiyan Henley (Washington St), Ivan Pace, Jr. (Cincinnati)
As Greg talks about all the time, and he’s right, the game is and always will be about the line of scrimmage. Interior offensive line was emphasized last year but defensive line could use some reinforcements.
DL - Cameron Young (Miss St), Karl Brooks (Bowling Green), Zacch Pickens (South Carolina), Isaiah McGuire (Missouri)
Finally, I’ll be watching Patriots DL coach DeMarcus Covington, who is functioning as the Defensive Coordinator for the “American” team.
Top 10 Overall Prospects at the Senior Bowl
RT Dawand Jones (Ohio St): Like Trent Brown, he’ll be the biggest man (6-foot-8, 350 pounds) on the field and he’s athletic by nature. Not perfect in his technique but I’ve been a fan since last year when he became a starter.
OG O’Cyrus Torrence (Florida): Transfer from Louisiana has been on scouts’ radar because he’s a phone booth. He could start next season in a power scheme. One sack given up in 3 years.
DE Keion White (Georgia Tech): We covered him Week 1. This kid plays hard and he’s positionally versatile for whatever team drafts him. I expect him to be a riser in the process.
OLB Isaiah Foskey (Notre Dame): Top 50 player who wasn’t as effective against top competition this year but all he’s the all-time sack leader for the Irish. He’s a captain and he could play all 4 downs to start his career.
TE Luke Musgrave (Oregon State): Deep TE class and he’s very athletic for the position. He got hurt early in the year, so the Senior Bowl is important in validating his potential ceiling. He could be a top 50 pick.
RT Darnell Wright (Tennessee): For the consistent readers you may recall me touting Wright before and after the Alabama game. He stood tall and largely nullified potential top pick, Will Anderson Jr.
WR Rashee Rice (SMU): Several receivers will be vying for the top spot. Rice is more of a possession receiver but he’s good. He put up 96 catches for 1,355 yards and 10 TDs.
OG Andrew Vorhees (USC): Tons of playing experience all over the LOS. Not an athlete but tough player who should be a consistent starter in the NFL.
CB Tyrique Stevenson (Miami): He’s a larger CB (6-0, 214) who I think might be a fit at FS.
LT Blake Freeland (BYU): Lots of varying opinions on Freeland but I’ve been a fan. Think Nate Solder with his height and athleticism. Big week for him, he’ll need to demonstrate his play strength.