Patriots reportedly sign 2020 draft picks Anfernee Jennings, Dustin Woodard
By Ty Anderson, 985TheSportsHub.com
A day after signing Josh Uche, the New England Patriots continued to take care of their 2020 draft class with the signing of outside linebacker Anfernee Jennings and center Dustin Woodward, according to Aaron Wilson.
Drafted with the No. 87 overall pick, Jennings comes to the Patriots after a four-year collegiate career at Alabama, which featured 194 total tackles and 15.5 sacks in 54 games for the Crimson Tide. The 6-foot-3 Jennings, whose pre-draft scouting report compared him to former Patriots linebacker Kyle Van Noy, also finished his time at Alabama as a First Team All-SEC selection by both the AP and the league’s coaches in 2019.
The selection of Jennings continued a trend of Bill Belichick drafting Nick Saban-coached talents, and Jennings admitted that talking to Belichick was similar to talking to Saban in terms of their delivery.
“The level of respect for both coaches, it’s top of the chart,” Jennings said following his selection. “I’m just thankful for the opportunity, and I look forward to it and I’m ready to get to work.”
Woodard, meanwhile, was drafted by the Patriots in the seventh round (No. 230 overall) after a four-year career at Memphis. The versatile Woodard, who played both left and right guard before moving to center last season, holds the school record for most games played by an offensive lineman (54) and made 52 straight starts for the Tigers.
With Jennings and Woodard signed, the Patriots have seven members of their 2020 class, including top pick Kyle Dugger, still looking to come to terms on their respective rookie deals.