Boston Sports Journal was on location for the 76th Annual Reese's Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. Even better than the gorgeous weather we enjoyed, was the bountiful talent from top-to-bottom. New England Patriots team brass was well represented with much of the front office in attendance, including executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf, head coach Mike Vrabel and senior personnel executive Alonzo Highsmith, amongst others.
The storied history of the Reese's Senior Bowl has been littered with future NFL stars of tomorrow. It's a great platform for talent evaluators to compare and contrast prospects side-by-side. Some of the most critical aspects of player evaluation include getting to know the football DNA of the individual, which the formal late afternoon and informal evening meetings provide. Seeing players in the flesh, how they react to coaching, eyeing up body types, catching up with old friends and checking in with new acquaintances are all part of the information-gathering process.
It was a jam-packed week, as Boston Sports Journal was on hand to observe the 100-plus players in attendance. Based on the feedback gathered during the past week, we've assembled a list of 32 potential targets that the Patriots could seek out in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, scheduled for April 24-26, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Let's dive in...
DEPTH AT OFFENSIVE TACKLE
There's no question that New England head coach Mike Vrabel recognizes the importance and value of having strong, dependable offensive tackles, especially on the blindside. Protecting the young, franchise quarterback is priority number one and the team could look to address this need in free agency, or the draft. With an abundance of first-round candidates at the offensive tackle spot, there were a handful of Senior Bowl standouts who could possibly slide to the Patriots in round two, let's examine:
Anthony Belton, North Carolina State, 6-5, 345, 4.95e: Based on early impressions at the Senior Bowl, the draft process should treat Belton well, as he checked off all the boxes in Mobile. When you assess the combination of size, athleticism, power and experience, 'The Escalade,' is able to push his motor into overdrive as a run mauler. What stood out in practices was his, length (34.5" arms), lateral mobility and bend for a man of his stature. With several high-profile offensive tackles in contention to come off the board in the first round, there's a chance that Belton could slide to the Patriots in round two.
Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota, 6-6, 339, 5.25e: Somewhat of a late bloomer, Ersery didn't begin playing football until his junior year of high school. He has since transformed into one of the best offensive tackle prospects in this year's draft class. While it didn't always show up in Mobile, Ersery possesses excellent athleticism for having such mammoth size and is expected to test well at the NFL Scouting Combine. He was one of the more consistent performers throughout the week and projects as a starting right tackle at the next level with the potential to play on the left side, as he continues to develop. His arrow is pointing up.
Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon, 6-4, 313, 5.00e: There is much optimism within the scouting community that Conerly Jr. will be off the board at some point in round one, despite being outshined by some of the other linemen in attendance. There is no denying the body of work he laid on film, as he has been a staple of consistency for the Ducks on the blindside over the past three seasons. Blessed with a sturdy frame, wide base and excellent length (34" arms), Conerly Jr. is a dancing bear who mirrors well. He wound up on the wrong end of a bull rush by Mike Green of Marshall who completely trucked him over but his performance was otherwise very strong overall.
Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona, 6-4, 339, 5.28e: There was some first-round buzz surrounding Savaiinaea headed into the all-star game process. However, his week in Mobile was a mixed bag, as he proved to be a liability against speed on the edge early on the first day of practice. The next day, he would be seen taking reps at guard, a request likely suggested by scouts. Savaiinaea appeared to look more comfortable on the inside, as he was able to showcase his strength. After such a performance, personnel evaluators will now be forced to circle back to the tape and determine where he fits best but there are plenty of traits to like.
TALENT DEEP IN THE TRENCHES
Overall, the offensive linemen in Mobile were rich in talent. There were numerous prospects who could fit in well with the Patriots offense and this is one need that the front office will constantly look to improve during the offseason. With David Andrews and Cole Strange shuffling at the center spot, along with Michael Onwenu whose role moving forward remains undefined, there is plenty of uncertainty that needs to be addressed in the trenches. Here are some additional players who can help provide reinforcement.
Grey Zabel, North Dakota State, 6-5, 316, 5.00e: It might sound funny to say that the number one showstopper in Mobile was an offensive lineman but Zabel stole the show! Named the 'Senior Bowl Most Outstanding Practice Player of the Week,' the Bison brawler stood tall against top competition. In fact, the highlight of the week was watching Zabel jump in at every position along the offensive line, while winning nearly every one-on-one rep. A tackle for most of his career, he projects as an interior player at the next level due to his 33" arms. There's a chance that Zabel may have played himself into the first-round equation but if he's still on the board come round two, the Pats should pounce.
Emery Jones, LSU, 6-4, 312, 5.15e: A consistent performer throughout the week, Jones was rock-steady during one-on-ones and never found himself out of place. Considered strictly a right tackle prospect due to limited athleticism, Jones is sure to compensate with an excellent kick slide, which enables him to keep up with just about every type of rusher; speed or power. He measured in with very long arms at 34.5" and brings big-time pedigree, arriving to Baton Rouge as a true freshman starter. Due to the great depth in this year's draft class, Jones could be a Patriots target on late Day 2, or even early on Day 3 and would provide immediate stability.
Ozzy Trapilio, Boston College, 6-8, 321, 5.15e: The combination of length and movement stood out for Trapilio who impressed with size, length and physicality, as he consistently showed up during one-on-one drills. His ability to bend and lateral agility makes you think he could star in the NBA as a power forward. His stock is on the rise after a stellar week in which he demonstrated key versatility, lining up at both left and right tackle. The Norwell native is certainly on the Patriots' radar and projects as a mid-to-late round value.
Carson Vinson, Alabama A&M, 6-7, 314, 5.05e: One of the pleasant surprises from the showcase was Vinson, who showed off his incredible length and agility. A tall, lean body-type, Vinson weighed in 30 pounds heavier than his listed weight and measured in with some of the longest arms (35”), including a seven-foot wingspan. His length and footwork enabled him to keep up with the 'Power Four' level of competition and his raw athleticism presents major upside. Should the team fail to address the offensive tackle position early on in the draft, Vinson would be a wise choice for them to consider in the mid-to-late rounds.
POLARIZING WIDEOUTS
The Patriots took a big swing and miss with second-round pick Ja'Lynn Polk who produced a lackluster 12 catches, for 87 yards. In fact, tight end Hunter Henry led the team in receiving with just 674 yards, which is unacceptable for any team that wishes to be competitive in the NFL. While none of the wideouts in Mobile are expected to be Day 1 talents, there are several players who would fit well into Josh McDaniels' offense.
Jayden Higgins, Iowa State, 6-4, 217, 4.50e: There were few boundary wideouts who turned heads as much as Higgins down in Mobile. A big, physical receiver who utilizes his size to his advantage, Higgins flashed tremendous body balance and presents an extremely tall target for his quarterback. More quick than fast, he tends to utilize his frame well in the red zone and will often post defenders up and box them out from the ball. Higgins' skill-set would be a welcomed addition to the Pats offense.
Tez Johnson, Oregon, 5-9, 156, 4.34e: It will be interesting to see just how much emphasis is placed on size when determining Johnson's draft value. On one hand, the speedster is one of the fastest players ever to pass through Mobile, constantly losing defenders as he was too quick to keep up with. On the other hand, he's also one of the smallest at just 156 pounds, which would make him one of the lightest players in the league. His burst and get-off was reminiscent of Tank Dell (Texans), as Johnson was a top performer. However, it's the durability concerns that will come along with the lack of size that could make him a wildcard of the draft.
Xavier Restrepo, Miami, 5-9, 200, 4.60e: An entirely different type of slot weapon, Restrepo owns a stockier build and operates on sharp route running, with the ability to create separation in short-area spaces when getting in and out of his release. While lack of length is one concern surrounding Restrepo, there are questions surrounding his timed speed headed into Indy. Should the Hurricanes dynamo fail to hit certain marks at the combine, it could cause him to slide in the draft. While slot receiver isn't necessarily an urgent need, Restrepo could offer great value for New England in the later rounds.
Kyle Williams, Washington State, 5-10, 182, 4.38e: One of the more crisp route runners on display, Williams was also one of the fastest, peaking at nearly 22mph on the Catapult. In addition to showing off his burst, Williams displayed sound route running technique and showed no fear running crossing routes over the middle. It was a bit frustrating to see the quarterbacks struggle to get him the football but he definitely captured the attention of NFL scouts in attendance with his ability to separate and is expected to be available in the middle rounds of the draft.
OFFENSIVE X-FACTORS
Surrounding Drake Maye with a stronger supporting cast must be a main focus throughout the entire offseason. In addition to needing better wideouts, New England needs to provide some playmakers at the skill positions and/or tight end. While the aforementioned Henry is still productive, he just turned 30 years old. Not to mention, the combination of Rhammondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson in the backfield was average at best.
Damien Martinez, Miami, 5-11, 226, 4.52e: In terms of overall run, catch, block ability, Martinez appeared to be the best of the bunch amongst running backs in attendance. His acceleration in the open field and ability to pick up yards after contact are two of his more alluring traits. Martinez also thrived in pass protection, an area of his game that was in question coming into the event. While none of the running backs in Mobile might not hear their name called before Day 3, Martinez certainly stated his case to be the first one off the board amongst them.
Marcus Yarns, Delaware, 5-10, 189, 4.54e: It was a solid week for some of the small school talent on display such as Yarns who entered the event with relatively low fanfare but departed Mobile as one of the top standouts. His elusiveness and ability to slip defenders is what really stood out. In addition, he proved to have soft hands catching the ball out of the backfield and can really make the defense pay with the ball in his hands. Our sources have indicated that team brass was getting cozying with Yarns, so he could be one name worth filing for the memory bank on Day 3 of the draft.
Harold Fannin, Bowling Green, 6-3, 238, 4.45e: As the week wore on, Fannin seemed to just get better each and every day. He came in with a chip on his shoulder, determined to show NFL scouts that he can be a viable blocker and not solely a pass-catcher. To his credit, he delivered on some nice-looking blocks, which surely enhanced his draft stock. While he lacks prototype size, Fannin owns similar size dimensions and skill set as legendary tight end Antonio Gates. Should he slide to the second round, he would add an explosive element to the New England offense.
Elijah Arroyo, Miami, 6-5, 251, 4.60e: A fluid mover and likely the fastest tight end in this year's draft, Arroyo exploded onto the scene this past season as a go-to target for signal-caller Cam Ward, nabbing 35 balls, for 590 yards and seven touchdowns, while averaging a remarkable 16.9 yards per carry. Prior to this year, Arroyo had a total of just 11 career catches, as he endured several injuries earlier in his career. His giddy up was noticeable, as Arroyo creates mismatch opportunities due to his size and speed. New England needs to accumulate some complimentary parts on offense at some point and Arroyo is one to watch.
(USA Today Network)
Kentucky DT Deone Walker
MASSIVE MEN IN THE MIDDLE
The organization will need to look at how to get younger up front and would benefit from injecting some fresh legs into the defensive line rotation. Veteran Deatrich Wise Jr. will turn 31 years old this summer, while Davon Godchaux is 30. Coming off a career-best season, free agent Daniel Ekuale is expected to test free agency and the team continues to monitor Christian Barmore who is dealing with a blood clot condition. Help wanted:
Deone Walker, Kentucky, 6-7, 340, 5.10e: A fascinating case study for the upcoming NFL Draft, Walker presents a tale of two perspectives. On one side, the massive-sized Walker is an imposing figure who is sure to command double team attention and fill multiple gaps on every rep. You just can't teach that type of size and there will always be a need for that. The other takeaway that one departs Mobile with is how easily Walker can be taken out of play. His poor posture can lead to him getting stood up and his play strength doesn't always match the size. His draft range varies from anywhere on Day 1, to Day 3 of the draft.
Cam Jackson, Florida, 6-7, 339, 5.35e: It's rare to see a massive body mass such as Jackson be able to be so quick on his feet. The entire week proved beneficial for Jackson who impressed with the way he is able to move bodies in the trenches and knock back opposing offensive linemen with such ease--it would be the equivalent of halting a full-speed Mack truck. Considered to be a two-down run-stuffer specialist, Jackson might be limited with how many reps he can play but could fill a vital role for the New England defensive front.
Yahya Black, Iowa, 6-6, 337, 5.30e: Few players proved to have a more grandiose presence in Mobile than Black, who demonstrated great size and strength. Black showed glimpses of being able to rush the passer, an area in which scouts questioned about him. While he didn't emerge as a starter until later in his career, his versatility to play up and down the defensive line would make him a valuable asset for the Patriots. Known for his size 17 shoes and desire to listen to Adele for pre-game warmups, Black marches to a bit of a different beat but his raw upside makes for an intriguing Day 3 roll of the dice proposition.
Joshua Farmer, Florida State, 6-3, 314, 5.05e: While he doesn't possess the same type of size as other prospects on this list, Farmer might have the biggest upside of any interior defensive lineman. His quick get-off and ability to convert speed to strength enable him to generate great push. Farmer makes excellent use of his hands and can create havoc in the backfield. He was in high demand for player interview requests during the week in Mobile and for very good reason. What makes Farmer an ideal fit for New England is that he can play multiple roles in a hybrid defensive scheme.
(Vasha Hunt-Imagn)
American team offensive lineman Emery Jones of LSU (50) spars with American team defensive lineman Shemar Stewart of Texas A&M (14) during Senior Bowl practice for the American team at Hancock Whitney Stadium.
VARIETY ON THE EDGE
One of the most pressing needs for the Patriots entering the offseason is finding help in the pass-rush department. No defender achieved more than five total sacks on the season and New England accounted for just 28 sacks for the entire year, which was dead last in the NFL. Luckily, the Senior Bowl featured a plentiful group of potential edge prospects for the team to consider during the first two days of the draft.
Mike Green, Marshall, 6-3, 250, 4.60e: The redshirt sophomore edge rusher put on a show, landing down in Alabama as if he were shot out of a cannon. Green provided the climax of the week when he barreled over Conerly Jr. but his motor and strength was on display the entire week. The biggest concern for Green will be his 32" alligator arms which some front office types will be certain to red flag him for. There's also some off-field issues that NFL teams will want to be sure to investigate, which could cause him to slide a bit. One thing no one will question is his premier talent.
Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M, 6-5, 281, 4.75e: One of the larger pass-rush prospects in the draft, Stewart laid down some excellent reps on the outside during one-on-one drills, showcasing his bend and power. He also had a fair share of reps where he winded up on the ground as well. When assessing the length, athleticism and frame to grow, it wouldn't be surprising to see Stewart eventually make the move inside at the next level where he can better take advantage of his skill set. It's unlikely he'll remain on the board on Day 2 but Stewart is worth noting as one of the best of the best.
Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College, 6-2, 248, 4.70e: After terrorizing the ACC this past season with 16.5 sacks, there was much anticipation to see where Ezeiruaku stacked up against the elite competition. Concerns about his height were squashed somewhat, as he measured in with 34.5" arms. What stood out most about the New Jersey native was his explosive burst off the line of scrimmage, along with his ability to get his hands into the chest of opposing offensive lineman and dictate the leverage battle on a consistent basis. His best spot in the pros will likely be as a standup outside linebacker role that lets him loose after the quarterback.
Sai'von Jones, LSU, 6-5, 289, 4.78e: To say that Jones was a problem for opposing blockers would be an understatement. Another massive edge prospect with brute strength, Jones put an exclamation point on his week by adding two sacks in the Senior Bowl game. He consistently agitated offensive linemen with his ability to win with a quick first step, exceptional athleticism and pure muscle. Should New England fail to address the edge spot during the offseason, Jones would be a prime target on Day 2.
Josiah Stewart, Michigan, 6-1, 248, 4.68e: The pass-rush class is one of the few positions that has some depth to it in this year's draft. Stewart is one player who the Pats could target on Day 3. While he had plenty of production in college with 30 sacks across four seasons with Michigan and Coastal Carolina, Stewart measured in as one of the shorter edge prospects and came in with just under 33" arms, which is less than ideal. However, he displayed one of the fastest first steps in Mobile and possesses above-average strength for his size, making him a potential third-down pass-rush specialist at the next level.
LINEBACKERS WHO CAN (OFF) BALL
When assessing the Patriots linebacker corps, it was a solid unit overall last season but there is certainly room for improvement, as upgrades are needed and Ja'Whaun Bentley is coming off a season-ending pec injury. What New England could use most is a difference-maker who can take charge. Due to the de-emphasized value of off-ball linebackers, there could be some real value in the mid-to-late rounds:
Eugene Asante, Auburn, 6-0, 222, 4.58e: The fiery heart and soul leader of the Tigers defense, Asante stood out throughout the week, flashing various skills such as quick instincts to fill the gap, ability to cover and even demonstrated a nice swim move when asked to rush the quarterback. Asante could be seen and heard delivering some pad-popping hits. A likely Day 2 selection, he is the younger brother of former NFL linebacker Larry Asante and would provide an instant impact player to inject into the fray.
Jeffrey Bassa, Oregon, 6-1, 226, 4.56e: One of the faster players in attendance, Bassa clocked in at over 20mph on the Catapult device during practice, displaying strong pass-coverage instincts, along with the ability to cover running backs or tight ends. The Ducks team leader has been praised for his high football IQ and has served as an extension of the coaching staff on the field. A former safety, Bassa boasts three years of starting experience and would be able to step in and contribute at any linebacker spot for the Patriots.
Jack Kiser, Notre Dame, 6-1, 227, 4.60e: Named one of the Senior Bowl practice players of the week, Kiser was one of the top performers in Mobile. One could not help but notice the numerous pass breakups he had in coverage and the high-rate win percentage during one-on-one drills. A four-year starter and team captain for the Fighting Irish, no player in this year's draft had more special team reps during their career than Kiser (965). With the run on linebackers expected to occur later in the draft, Kiser could be a mid-round steal.
(USA Today Newtork)
FSU cornerback Azareye'h Thomas
RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER
The Patriots need to get right at cornerback. While Christian Gonzalez has proved to be a bonafide lockdown corner, there is little depth behind him and pending free agent Jonathan Jones will be 32 years old in September. Preferably, New England will seek to add at least one additional boundary cornerback via the draft and possibly more on Day 3. Here are some candidates who stood out in Mobile:
Azareye'h Thomas, Florida State, 6-2, 191, 4.50e: The lengthy, athletic Thomas showed up to weigh-ins very much looking the part. On the field, he was sure to play the part. There will be high demand for Thomas who brings top-notch size, fluid hips, smooth footwork and plays a press-man cover style at a highly effective rate. He was downright dominant during one-on-one drills and is one of the youngest players in this year's draft at just 20 years old. There's a chance that Thomas may have played himself into the first round but if he's still on the board with the Patriots second pick, they would almost have to pull the trigger.
Dorian Strong, Virginia Tech, 6-1, 179, 4.45e: A Day 2 prospect who possesses starter-level traits would be Strong, who plays just like his last name. The physical, cover corner brings a tenacious demeanor and excellent mirror ability. Strong has started parts of the past five seasons and has proven to constantly show up around the ball with 28 career pass deflections and seven interceptions. What makes Strong most appealing is the versatility he offers, as he played primarily in a zone-based defensive system at Virginia Tech. Although, he demonstrated a skill set that would easily translate into a man-to-man-based scheme. He's considered a top 100 overall talent.
Darien Porter, Iowa State, 6-2, 197, 4.38e: Despite being a sixth-year senior who just turned 24 years old, Porter may be viewed as more of a developmental prospect. He began his collegiate career at wideout before starring on special teams, as he transitioned to cornerback. In just his first season as starter, Porter flashed innate ball skills, coming up with three interceptions. He'll occasionally give up a big play, which is part of the learning curve. He owns 33" arms, which are longer than some offensive linemen who were in attendance and there are whispers that Porter could clock in at sub 4.3 at the combine.
Quincy Riley, Louisville, 5-10, 192, 4.40e: An instinctual ballhawk who's a playmaker with the ball in his hands, Riley offers up scheme flexibility due to a diverse skill-set. His ability to lineup on the boundary, in the slot, or slide over to safety would provide the Patriots with a jack-knife in the secondary. Riley bulked up coming into the season, which bodes well for his draft stock, as he still managed to maintain top-level speed. Opinions varied on his draft stock based on scouts in attendance, so this is one player worth monitoring as draft weekend wears on.
*BSJ exclusive draft coverage is just heating up! Be sure to check back for frequent Patriots updates leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft, scheduled for Green Bay, Wisconsin on April 24-26th.