LT Broderick Jones, Georgia
Sep 17, 2022; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Kendall Milton (2) rushes behind the blocking of Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Broderick Jones (59) in the first quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Jones is currently projected to be a mid to late first round pick in what at this point looks to be a top-heavy tackle class. While the idea of taking a Georgia tackle in the first round may have some Patriots fans feeling squeamish and flashing back to Isaiah Wynn, Jones is a different kind of player.
First off, he’s listed at 6-foot-4, 315 pounds and looks every bit the part of a modern NFL left tackle both in terms of his build and athleticism. He put up impressive numbers in 2022 as well, allowing no sacks and just eight pressures on 399 pass blocking snaps per PFF.
The reason Jones is currently projected to go in the second tier of tackles is lack of experience. He started all 12 games for the Bulldogs this year as a redshirt sophomore, but just four last year as a redshirt freshman. As such his level of play is inconsistent at times, in line with what’s normally expected from young players. Still he’s flashed in high-profile moments, like allowing just two pressures in the National Championship against Alabama last year working mainly against potential No. 1 overall pick Will Anderson.
TE Darnell Washington, Georgia
Dec 3, 2022; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs tight end Darnell Washington (0) catches a touchdown pass behind LSU Tigers linebacker Micah Baskerville (23) during the first half during the SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
It’s been a few years since we could seriously talk about the Patriots targeting a tight end in the draft, with the signings of Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith in 2021 locking things down at the position. However, Henry will be in the final year of his contract in 2023, with Smith’s deal up the year after that. Could that mean it’s time to start building up young depth and development at the position?
If so, Washington is a stand-out prospect in this year’s class. At 6-foot-7, 270, he was primarily used as a blocking tight end in his first two years with the Bulldogs. This year though, they’ve including him in passing patterns more and he’s looked very comfortable. He’s caught a career high 26 passes for 417 yards and two scores, all while posting the fifth-highest PFF run blocking grade and third-highest pass blocking grade among all FBS tight ends this season. He’s become a well-rounded offensive mismatch, especially in the red zone.
Washington has a ton of potential but is still raw, which is why he’s currently projected to be a Day 2 pick. In the Patriots case though, they could let him sit behind two established veterans as a rookie and round out his game behind the scenes. That all being said, if he has big performances in the Playoff and/or tests well at the Combine, his stock could shoot up out of the Patriots’ range.
DB Tykee Smith, Georgia
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JANUARY 10: Tykee Smith #23 of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide 33-18 during the 2022 CFP National Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 10, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Smith is a jack-of-all trades in the secondary. He was recruited to West Virginia as both a cornerback and safety, and after starting his career as a box safety has played more slot cornerback since transferring to Georgia. He’s also one of the Bulldogs main tight end coverage players. Smith plays the game an is an explosive hitter, which allows him to contribute against the run and stay on the field for all three downs at 5-foot-10, 198 pounds.
With Devin McCourty and Jabrill Peppers both on expiring contracts, and Kyle Dugger’s deal up at the end of the 2023 season, safety projects as a need for the Patriots. Myles Bryant’s deal is almost up as well, which may have them looking to add depth in the slot in the near future. Smith, who is currently projected to be a late third or early fourth round pick, would give them a potential option in both spots.
CB DJ Turner, Michigan
Michigan defensive back DJ Turner (5) celebrates intercepting a pass from Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa (3) during the first half at the Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. (Junfu Han/USA TODAY Network)
Last offseason, boundary cornerback was arguably the Patriots’ biggest need. This year, it remains an area they should look to build up. Jonathan Jones moving to the boundary made a big difference for the unit in 2022, but he’s a pending free agent. Jack Jones’ emergence also helped, but after those two Joneses and Jalen Mills the depth drops off – something that became clear as injuries took their toll over the course of the season.
Adding another boundary corner, whether Jonathan Jones comes back or not, should be on the to-do list. That’s where Turner fits. Coming from one of the Patriots’ most often targeted programs in the draft, he’s also a program fit in New England. At 6-foot, 180 pounds he’s played primarily on the boundary handling both man and zone assignments – although he’s been better in man.
Turner is currently a projected Day 2 pick, in part due to lack of on-ball production. He allowed 30 catches on 64 targets for just 394 yards and one touchdown this season, but had only one interception and seven pass breakups.
A bounce-back game or games in the CFB could go a long way for his draft stock after he struggled against Ohio State, posting his lowest PFF grade of the year in that game. Facing TCU is a major opportunity for him, as he’ll likely be lined up across from Horned Frogs receiver Quentin Johnston, who is currently projected to be an early-mid first-round pick.
WR Ronnie Bell, Michigan
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 19: Ronnie Bell #8 of the Michigan Wolverines looks for yards after a first half catch next to Xavier Scott #14 of the Illinois Fighting Illini at Michigan Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
After tearing his ACL in the 2021 season opener, Bell returned to put together a career-best year in 2022. In Michigan’s run-heavy offense he was the team’s leading receiver catching 56 passes for 753 yards and three touchdowns.
Bell, at 6-foot, 192 pounds, is a well-rounded receiver who split his time lining up in the slot and outside. He’s most effective when targeted in the middle of the field (at all three levels), where the Patriots seem to prefer to throw the ball right now. An important question for him heading into the pre-draft process will be how explosive he looks making cuts now over a year removed from that knee injury. Currently, Bell is projected as a Day 3 pick.
K Jake Moody, Michigan
Nov 19, 2022; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines place kicker Jake Moody (13) kicks a field goal in the second half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Michigan Stadium. Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Moody was on our list of draft prospects to watch for the Patriots heading into the college football season. The reigning Lou Groza Award winner didn’t repeat in 2022 but still had another excellent year. He hit 24 of his 26 field goal attempts from inside of 50 yards, and all 58 of his extra points.
Nick Folk still is under contract for another year, but at 38 years old the Patriots may be keeping an eye out for potential replacements incase he decides to walk away. Given their preference for kickers with experience playing in inclement weather, Moody is a logical fit. He’s currently projected to be a mid-to-late Day 3 pick, and there’s a case for him to be the first kicker selected this spring.
CB Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, TCU
FORT WORTH, TX – NOVEMBER 26: Cornerback Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson #1 of the TCU Horned Frogs reacts after sacking quarterback Hunter Dekkers #12 of the Iowa State Cyclones during the first half at Amon G. Carter Stadium on November 26, 2022 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Hodges-Tomlinson, the nephew of TCU and NFL legend LaDainian Tomlinson, won the Jim Thorpe Award this year as the nation’s best defensive back. He was also named first-team All-Big 12 for the third year in a row. Playing primarily as a boundary corner, opposing quarterbacks completed just 26 of 70 passes thrown his way, for 318 yards with one touchdown to his three interceptions and 11 pass breakups. His 38.9 passer rating against was the second-lowest among all qualified Power Five cornerbacks this season.
Despite all of that, Hodges-Tomlinson is currently projected to be a mid-Day 2 pick. That’s mainly due to his smaller stature at 5-foot-9, 180 pounds. However, there are two things here that may make him an option for the Patriots, aside from playing him in the slot (which is also a possibility).
First, the team just had tremendous success moving a prototypical slot cornerback to the boundary in 5-foot-10 Jonathan Jones. Plus, Hodges-Tomlinson played significantly more in the box this year than he had in previous seasons. With that success, the Patriots may see him as a hybrid corner/safety who would fit their ‘positionless’ secondary. He’s tremendously talented, so that sort of position change probably wouldn’t be out of the question.
RB Kendre Miller, TCU
WACO, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 19: Running back Kendre Miller #33 of the TCU Horned Frogs carries the ball against safety Devin Lemear #20 of the Baylor Bears and safety Christian Morgan #4 of the Baylor Bears in the second quarter at McLane Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Waco, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Miller took over as the lead back for TCU this year and had a breakout season, rushing for 1,342 yards and 6.2 yards per carry with 17 touchdowns. He also expanded his role as a receiver, catching 16 passes for 116 yards.
At 6-foot, 220 pounds Miller is an explosive runner who is also smart and patient with the ball with excellent field vision. He also finishes runs hard and does a good job of picking up hidden yardage.
In total, he actually looks a bit like fellow Big 12 running back and 2021 Patriots draft pick Rhamondre Stevenson did coming out of Oklahoma two years ago. Even if he doesn’t hit Stevenson’s ceiling, he’d still be a good and logical complement to Stevenson in New England’s backfield, especially if Damien Harris leaves in free agency. He’s currently projected to be an early Day 3 pick, which is around where the Patriots typically select running backs.
LT Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 05: Paris Johnson Jr. #77 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in action against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Ryan Field on November 05, 2022 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Johnson Jr. is as much of a reach as we have here in terms of the first round. He’s currently projected to be a mid-first-round pick, so the Patriots probably would need to miss the playoffs to have a shot at drafting him without a trade. If they did though, they’d be getting a potential franchise left tackle.
Over the last two seasons as a starter, Johnson Jr. has allowed just one sack on 821 pass blocking snaps. He also graded out highly as a run blocker. A two-year starter, he was Ohio State’s right guard in 2021 then seamlessly made the move to left tackle this season, when he was named first-team All-Big Ten. At 6-foot-6, 315 pounds, there’s no reason to think he won’t be able to stick at tackle in the NFL, especially given his impressive athleticism. Those who cover him also rave about his leadership qualities on and off the field.
In a lot of ways, Johnson Jr. fits the mold of a Patriots draft pick. The only hang-up is they’ve rarely drafted from Ohio State under Bill Belichick. After a trend breaking draft last year, that may not matter as much.
RT Dawand Jones, Ohio State
Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Dawand Jones (79) blocks Purdue Boilermakers defensive end George Karlaftis (5) during the 4th quarter of their NCAA game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on November 13, 2021. (Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch/USA TODAY Network)
Johnson Jr. isn’t the only Ohio State tackle expected to go high in this draft, nor is he the only Ohio State tackle the Patriots should be looking at. Jones, their starting right tackle for the last two years, is currently projected to be an early Day 2 pick.
While Johnson Jr. is more of an athletic blocker, Jones is a true mauler. At 6-foot-8, 360 pounds, he looks a bit like current Patriots tackle Trent Brown did when he was coming out of Florida. Like Brown, Jones moves well for his size, and contributed as a puller at times when Ohio State would go with zone rushing concepts. He’s a former basketball player, which shows with his lateral movement.
This past season, PFF had Jones as the most efficient tackle in college football, with a pass blocking efficiency score of 99.4. He allowed just four pressure without allowing a sack or QB hit in 349 snaps.
Before becoming Ohio State’s starting right tackle in 2021, he saw time as the backup left tackle during his first two seasons in Columbus. That potential positional versatility is also something that could appeal to the Patriots.
For both Johnson Jr. and Jones, the Peach Bowl against Georgia represents a tremendous opportunity. Georgia’s defensive front is one of if not the best in the country. Winning those reps will certainly catch the eyes of scouts across the NFL.
LB Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 05: Tommy Eichenberg #35 of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks on against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Ryan Field on November 05, 2022 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Last offseason, the Patriots talked about wanting to get faster and more athletic on defense – specifically at the linebacker position. While Raekwon McMillan and Mack Wilson helped with that, both were inconsistent, and are also now pending free agents.
If the Patriots want to make a bigger investment towards that goal of upgrading at linebacker Eichenberg would be a fit. He’s not as small as some modern linebackers at 6-foot-2, 239 pounds, but can play the entire field sideline to sideline.
In his first year as a full-time starter for the Buckeyes Eichenberg was all over the field recording 112 tackles (12 for a loss) with 2.5 sacks, three pass breakups, and an interception. His strength is definitely as a run defender and on passing downs was used mainly to rush the quarterback, but he has the movement abilities and football IQ to potentially contribute in coverage down the road once he gains more experience.
With just one year as a starter on his resume in a deep linebacker class, Eichenberg is currently projected as a Day 3 pick. That being said, his evaluation is far from done and he has plenty of room to move over the next couple of months.
K Noah Ruggles, Ohio State
COLUMBUS, OHIO – OCTOBER 22: Kicker Noah Ruggles #95 of the Ohio State Buckeyes kicks a field goal in the second quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Ohio Stadium on October 22, 2022 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gaelen Morse/Getty Images)
Ruggles makes this list for all the same reasons Michigan’s Moody did. He’s also been outstanding this year hitting 15 of his 17 field goal attempts, including six of the seven kicks he’s attempted of over 40 yards. In his time at Ohio State, he’s 10 for 11 on those kicks. He also hit 191 of his 192 career point after attempts.
Again, the Patriots like experience, accurate kickers with experience in inclement weather. Ruggles is a redshirt senior having spent four years at North Carolina before transferring to Ohio State. He’s currently projected to be a late Day 3 draft pick or priority UDFA.
