Bill Belichick didn’t attend the NFL Combine this year, but that doesn’t mean the event won’t still have value to him.
If you want to get an idea of who the Patriots might be interested in drafting, it’s always worth checking out the Combine results. Patterns have often emerged as to whom they draft and where they ranked in certain drills. Physical measurements like height and weight could factor in as well.
But it’s often as simple as seeing who performed the best in specific areas at the Combine, in order to get players firmly on the Patriots’ draft radar. For example, if you looked at the 2022 bench press results, it’s likely you put Cole Strange on your short list, because he was tied for second overall with 31 reps.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at some 2023 draft prospects and why they might be of interest to the Patriots in April…
WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State
3-Cone Drill: 6.57 Seconds, 1st Overall
Mar 4, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith‐Njigba (WO45) participates in drills at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
If the Patriots use the No. 14 overall pick in the draft on a wide receiver, Smith-Njigba is their guy. However, he projects as not an outside receiver but a good possession guy for the slot – think a more explosive Jakobi Meyers. He’s technically one of the best receiver prospects in the draft, but wouldn’t be in prior, deeper years. Smith-Njigba wouldn’t necessarily be a reach at 14, because he does have real athleticism and speed. But he wouldn’t be a lock to become a franchise guy who transforms the offense.
EDGE Lukas Van Ness, Iowa
3-Cone Drill: 7.02 Seconds, 2nd Among EDGEs
Mar 2, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa defensive lineman Lukas Van Ness (DL47) participates in drills during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The three-cone drill is the Combine’s best test of short-area quickness and acceleration. It’s often a top tester for receivers and cornerbacks, but it’s long been a favorite of the Patriots at other positions, like defensive end. Chandler Jones is the most notable draft hit who ranked highly at his position in the three-cone. That doesn’t mean every pick works out (Chase Winovich…Derek Rivers…Jake Bequette). But the drill is a solid predictor of edge rushers that draw Belichick’s eye. For that reason, keep Van Ness in mind for the first two rounds of the 2023 draft.
OT Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State
Bench Press: 29 Reps, 5th Among Tackles
Mar 5, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State offensive lineman Paris Johnson, Jr. (OL24) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Belichick has liked his big boys to be nice and strong with good stamina, based on his affinity for high performers in the bench press. Johnson was already projected to be a first-round pick, so it’s no surprise that he was up there for tackles in the drill. Our own Alex Barth projected Johnson to the Patriots at 14 overall in his first mock draft of the year. He would make a fine selection and likely start right away.
CB Julius Brents, Kansas State
3-Cone Drill: 6.57 Seconds, 1st Overall
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 03: Cornerback Julius Brents #23 of the Kansas State Wildcats cannot make an interception against the TCU Horned Frogs in the second half at AT&T Stadium on December 03, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
Brents is big (6-foot-3), and quick, based on his best-overall three-cone time. His NFL.com draft profile describes him as more of a zone corner who can play some press-man coverage, so Brents may not be the exact right fit for what the Pats could use at the position. But who knows what they’re going to need 3-4 years from now? Brents is a name to know for day 2.
OT Tyler Steen, Alabama
Bench Press: 31 Reps, 1st Among Tackles
Mar 5, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama offensive lineman Tyler Steen (OL43) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Just the school. That’s really all you need to know. Every draft prospect at Alabama is worth knowing for the Patriots, and Steen plays a position of need. His bench press should land him somewhere on Belichick’s draft board. He has kind of an odd build for a tackle, at 6-foot-6, 321 pounds, with short arms (32 3/4 inches). But he’s worth knowing about heading into the draft for the Patriots’ purposes, for the reasons laid out here.
OG Anthony Bradford, LSU
Bench Press: 34 Reps, 2nd Overall
Mar 5, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisiana State offensive lineman Anthony Bradford (OL09) runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Guard certainly isn’t a pressing need for the Patriots, but they do have a very good right guard in Michael Onwenu entering the final year of his rookie contract, with a chance to score a big payday after that. At the very least, they could use depth and insurance. Bradford, who reportedly met with the Patriots at the Combine, is described as a player who could “become an eventual starter for gap and power teams.” Sounds like a Patriot kind of blocker.
TE Sam LaPorta, Iowa
3-Cone Drill: 6.91 Seconds, 2nd Among TEs
Mar 4, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa tight end Sam Laporta (TE07) participates in drills at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Hunter Henry is entering the final year of his current contract with the Patriots, and Jonnu Smith has been a huge disappointment halfway through his deal. Don’t be surprised if the Patriots address tight end in what’s considered a deep 2023 class. Teams won’t have to over-draft in order to land potential impact players at TE this year. LaPorta’s strong three-cone time likely drew interest from New England, making him a name to watch on days 2 and 3.
RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama
40-Yard Dash: 4.36 Seconds, 2nd Among RBs
Mar 5, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs (RB09) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The way the Patriots have piled up the running backs in recent drafts, it can’t be ruled out that they address the position yet again, especially with Damien Harris on track to become a free agent. So why not replace him with another former Alabama back? Gibbs had the second-best 40 time among RBs at the 2023 Combine, so he would make sense if the Patriots continued their trend of adding speed on offense (Tyquan Thornton, Pierre Strong). Gibbs is likely to be picked high on day 2, though, so if the Patriots want him, they may have to move up.
CB D.J. Turner II, Michigan
40-Yard Dash: 4.26 Seconds, 1st Overall
Mar 3, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan defensive back DJ Turner II (DB34) participates in drills at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Patriots also added speed at cornerback in the 2022 draft with the selection of Marcus Jones. That seemed to work out well. Turner delivered an eye-popping 4.26 40-yard dash time, and tested well overall, grabbing the second-highest “Athleticism Score” at the Combine, according to Next Gen Stats.
LB Jack Campbell, Iowa
3-Cone Drill: 6.74 Seconds, 3rd Overall
Mar 2, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell (LB05) participates in drills during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Inside linebacker is a sneaky need for the Patriots. Depth behind Ja’Whaun Bentley should be on the to-do list, and ideally they can find someone who fits as an off-the-ball ‘backer, better than Mack Wilson did in 2022. Campbell plays a downhill style that would suit him well on the Patriots, and his short-area quickness gives him potential in coverage. He’ll be an interesting day 2 pick for a linebacker-needy team.
