Weekly 5: NFL Draft prospects to know for the Patriots, Part 3

Two down, two to go in our Weekly 5 series. 

This week, we’ll take a look at some smashmouth-type players the Patriots could target in rounds two through seven. The team added a number of physical, bully ball-type players this offseason, and it’s not unrealistic to think that trend could continue into the draft.

Just a reminder, the Weekly 5 is not a mock draft or big board. Simply, it’s a way to identify individual players who, for one reason or another, stand out as potential fits for the Patriots.

• RB Rakeem Boyd, Arkansas

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  One of the stars of season three of Netflix's Last Chance U, Boyd was one of the best running backs in the SEC in 2019. In 12 games he ran for over 1,100 yards, at 6.8 yards per carry. After Arkansas got off to a slow start in 2020, he opted out of the season to prepare for the draft.
  
  Boyd is a well-rounded back who is a patient and smart runner. He’s also shown some potential as a receiving threat, while excelling as a pass blocker. At 5-foot-11, 213 pounds, he’s a bit undersized for his power running style, which could scare off some NFL teams. Still, his overall skill set fits the Patriots well.
  
  We know the Patriots were looking into signing an early-down back in the first week of free agency. They didn’t end up landing one, but with Sony Michel entering the final concrete year of his deal, they still may view it as a need. If so, they could grab Boyd late on Day 3, and use 2021 to develop his game to the point where he could split some carries with Damien Harris.

• OT Dillon Radunz, North Dakota State

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  In a draft that’s incredibly deep at tackle, with his college quarterback squarely in the spotlight, Radunz has gone a bit under the radar in the pre-draft process. Still, there’s a lot to like about his game, especially when it comes to the Patriots.
  
  At 6-foot-4, 301 pounds, he has the frame to compete in the NFL. He’s very technically sound and understands the game well. In addition to both left and right tackle, some evaluators believe he could play guard at the next level as well.
  
  He’s been projected as high as a late first-round pick, but his lack of raw athleticism and overall depth at the tackle position in the draft will likely push him into Day 2. Still, his current makeup would make him an interesting investment for a team that develops offensive line talent as well as the Patriots do.

• OLB Joseph Ossai, Texas

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  Ossai brings everything the Patriots look for in a pass rusher to the table. He’s extremely athletic, and at 6-foot-4, 256 pounds, he has the size and length to compete with quicker blockers and the speed to get around bigger offensive linemen. A captain for the Longhorns this fall, he was a menace to Big 12 defenses, recording 5.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for a loss in just nine games.
  
  That being said, Ossai is a converted middle linebacker and still needs to develop the technical part of his game. He also needs to put on some muscle to allow him to win on the edge with strength as well as speed.
  
  Whichever team drafts him is getting a project, but his upside is enormous. Given the additions of Matt Judon and Kyle Van Noy (who is on a one-year contract), the Patriots are in the perfect position to take a guy like Ossai, then let him develop for a year without having to play too significant of a role. He’s currently projected to be a second round pick.
• ILB Paddy Fisher, Northwestern

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  With Ja’Whaun Bentley entering the final year of his contract, could the Patriots look to add another run-stopping middle linebacker in the late rounds to develop behind him? If so, Paddy Fisher is a name to watch.
  
  A four-year starter and former captain for the Wildcats, Fisher’s game is built on football IQ and instincts, as well as a knack for forcing turnovers. He’s constantly around the ball, recording 400 tackles in his college career, in addition to 10 forced fumbles.
  
  When it comes to making plays between the tackles, Fisher is one of the most proficient linebackers in this draft. However, he lacks the athleticism needed to truly play sideline to sideline, which will scare some teams off. Under Bill Belichick though, the Patriots have always had a role for such linebackers. Could Fisher be the next one? He’s currently projected to be a late Day 3 pick.

• S Tyree Gillespie, Missouri

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  A three-year contributor at Missouri, Gillespie showed he was a competent safety both playing deep and in the box. He had a habit of showing up most in the biggest games. Against Florida last year, he covered Kyle Pitts as well as any SEC defensive back.
  
  In addition to his positional versatility and big-game makeup, Gillespie was a key special teams contributor both in coverage and as a returner. Currently a projected mid-Day 3 pick, the Patriots could look to bring him in as an immediate special teams contributor, with a long-term plan to develop him as a free safety.

MORE: Weekly 5 NFL Draft Prospects, Part 2

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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.