With the College Football Playoff finally here, it’s time to take a look at players New England Patriots fans should start getting familiar with.
The new expanded College Football Playoff is finally here. Starting on Friday night, 12 teams will play a total of 11 games over four rounds to determine this year’s National Champion.
That may not mean much to Patriots fans who mostly just follow the NFL (although we’ll see what happens with Bill Belichick at UNC), but the new format does impact the professional game too – especially the NFL Draft. With another crucial draft ahead for the Patriots, the expanded playoff will have an impact on the draft board this year.
Look at last year as an example. With Washington in the playoff, quarterback Michael Penix had extra games against high-level opponents – the kind of games that hold more weight in the eyes of NFL evaluators.
Initially expected to be a late-first or early-second round pick, Penix shredded the Texas defense showing a ceiling he previously hadn’t. While his performance came back down to earth in the National Championship against Michigan, the Texas tape clearly had an impact as he ended up going eighth overall to the Atlanta Falcons as the fourth quarterback off the board.
With a 12-team, four-round playoff, more players will have more chances against high level opponents to show NFL scouts what they can do. It wouldn’t be surprising if a handful of players – especially those on teams that make deep runs – significantly alter their draft stock over the next month.
Which players should Patriots fans be keeping an eye on in these playoffs, as potential picks this spring? From projected first-round picks to Day 3 sleepers, here’s one draft-eligible player on each team for New England fans to watch for.
NOTE: Players are listed in order of their team’s seeding
LT Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon
Aug 31, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr. (76) prepares to block during the second half against the Idaho Vandals at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-USA TODAY Sports
At this point most Patriots fans are probably familiar with Will Campbell from LSU and Kelvin Banks from Texas – the two top projected tackles in this year’s draft. They sit atop the board now, but three years ago things looked a little different. In the high school recruiting Class of 2022 Banks was the third-ranked tackle, while Campbell was ranked ninth. At the top of the board was Josh Conerly Jr., a left tackle who is now at Oregon.
What changed? Unlike Campbell and Banks, Conerly didn’t start as a true freshman. While Campbell and Banks have three years of experience under their belts, Conerly has two.
That leaves Conerly a bit more raw at the position, but his upside is clear. He took a big step forward this season, allowing just six pressures and one sack in 467 pass blocking snaps.
At 6-foot-4, 315 pounds Conerly moves incredibly well, both off the snap and sticking with pass rushers. He’ll need to add power to be more consistent in the run game, but overall he does have Day 1 starter potential. That upside flashed in the Big Ten Championship Game, when he more than held his own against projected top 10 pick Abdul Carter of Penn State.
Based on Oregon’s placement in the bracket, Conerly will have a real chance to improve his draft stock. Coming off of the bye the Ducks will either face Ohio State or Tennessee – two teams with projected top 50 edge defenders. Heading into the playoff, Conerly is expected to be a late-first or early-second round pick.
C Jared Wilson, Georgia
Nov 9, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Jared Wilson (55) prepares to snap the ball during the first half against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Edge rusher Mykel Williams and linebacker Jalon Walker are certainly named for Patriots fans to know on the Bulldogs’ defense – both are projected first-round picks. That being said, we’ll be discussing plenty of defensive options on this list.
Meanwhile, pending getting a look at Cole Strange snapping the ball, a long-term plan at center after David Andrews is an important issue for the Patriots to address this offseason as well. With Andrews still under contract next year a Day 3 project pick could make sense, which brings us to Jared Wilson.
This year was Wilson’s first full season as Georgia’s starting center, after beginning his career as a backup center and guard. He plays with good power and is always looking for work, although that aggressiveness can work against him at times.
His game needs rounding out with more experience, but there’s a clear path to him being a starting center in the NFL with the right coaching. For a Patriots team that may not need him to play a significant role until 2026, he’d make a lot of sense as a Day 3 pick. If Georgia gets Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl, Wilson will have a good test on the inside against the duo of Rylie Mills and Howard Cross.
K Jonah Dalmas, Boise State
Oct 12, 2024; Honolulu, Hawaii, USA; Boise State Broncos place kicker Jonah Dalmas (35) kicks a field goal against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors during the second quarter an NCAA college football game at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex. Mandatory Credit: Marco Garcia-Imagn Images
While running back Ashton Jeanty is a very talented, exciting player, with the Patriots’ current roster needs it doesn’t make a ton of sense for them to use a first-round pick on a running back. The more realistic Bronco for the Patriots to take is kicker Jonah Dalmas.
A four-year starter kicking outdoors in Boise, Idaho, Dalmas heads into the College Football Playoff seventh all-time in NCAA career field goal percentage (78.7 percent) and third in field goals made (93). That includes career marks of 25-of-28 from 40-49 yards, and 7-of-10 from 50-plus.
Dalmas had a big leg, accuracy, and perhaps most importantly for the Patriots experience kicking in inclement weather. We’ll see in the playoff how he handles big games.
With Joey Slye a pending free agent and struggling down the stretch, the Patriots very well could be looking for a new kicker this offseason. With three seventh-round picks at their disposal, drafting a kicker could very well be on the table, and Dalmas will be among the top options on the board.
RB Cam Skattebo, Arizona State
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 07: Cam Skattebo #4 of the Arizona State Sun Devils carries the ball against the Iowa State Cyclones during the first quarter of the Big 12 Championship game at AT&T Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Cam Skattebo burst onto the scene in the Big 12 Championship Game, when he ran for 170 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries, while adding two catches for 38 yards and another score.
While that game was how many casual fans learned about Skattebo, he’s been running that way all year. At 5-foot-11, 215 pounds he runs with outstanding power and contact balance, rarely allowing the first tackler he meets to bring him down. This year he ranked second among Power Four running backs with 88 broken tackles behind only Ashton Jeanty, and third in yards after contact (1,085) behind only Jeanty and North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton.
Skattebo isn’t just some bruising runner though. He can also contribute in the passing game as a capable receiver and pass blocker. His versatility doesn’t end there – last year Arizona State used him as a gadget quarterback, and he completed six of his 15 passes with a touchdown.
Given he’ll be a 23-year-old rookie without top-end speed, there’s a cap on Skattebo’s overall impact in the NFL, but he certainly has a place in the league as a well-rounded spell back and should be able to play a role on special teams as well. He’s currently projected to be a Day 3 pick in a very deep running back class, but will have a chance to put out more quality film against either Clemson or Texas in the Peach Bowl.
LT Kelvin Banks, Texas
Oct 26, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. (78) against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first half at FirstBank Stadium. Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
At this point, Patriots fans are probably familiar with Kelvin Banks, who entered the season as one of the projected top two tackles in the draft along with Will Campbell. Banks has lived up to the billing this season, allowing just six pressures and one sack in 418 pass block snaps. He also showed up well in the run game.
For Banks, the playoff will be about showing he can play at that level against the highest-caliber talent. Banks’ worst game this year was against Georgia, when projected first round pick Mykel Williams gave him some trouble. Banks missed the rematch with Georgia in the SEC Championship due to a sprained ankle, but is expected to return this week against Clemson.
Based on Texas’ placement in the bracket Banks will need the Longhorns to win a couple of games to reach the toughest tests. If Texas can beat Clemson and Arizona State, a matchup against either Oregon, Ohio State, or Tennessee in the Cotton Bowl would give him such a test. A rematch against Georgia or a chance to face Abdul Carter and Penn State in the National Championship could be in play as well.
OLB Abdul Carter, Penn State
Nov 30, 2024; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; (Editors Notes: Caption Correction) Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter (11) pressures Maryland Terrapins quarterback MJ Morris (7) during the first quarter at Beaver Stadium. Photo Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
Abdul Carter is currently the highest projected draft pick taking part in the College Football Playoff. With a strong second half of the season, Penn State’s latest elite pass rusher has catapulted himself into the top five conversation for this spring.
Carter brings high level explosiveness and body control to the edge. He has a deep pass rush toolbox and can go both around and through opposing tackles.
What puts Carter over the top though is his versatility. Carter was an off-ball linebacker his first two years at Penn State, before moving to a primarily edge role this year.
With that experience, Carter doesn’t have to rush off the end to make an impact – he can line up all along the defensive line and even in a two-point stance, and still get into the backfield. With his quick-twitch athleticism Penn State even used him as a spy at times this year. While he doesn’t have the ultimate do-it-all ceiling of fellow Nittany Lion Micah Parsons, there are some similarities in how they could be used at the NFL level.
The biggest knock on Carter right now is as a run defender. His aggressive play style can leave him exposed on the edge in the run game at times. With Penn State on track to face Heisman runner up running back Ashton Jeanty and Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl if they beat SMU this weekend, that game could be a great chance for Carter to show scouts he can be a three down player.
TE Mitchell Evans, Notre Dame
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 09: Mitchell Evans #88 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish catches a touchdown pass against the Florida State Seminoles during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium on November 09, 2024 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Tight end isn’t an immediate need for the Patriots. That said, given how much Drake Maye seems to like throwing to tight ends, and the fact tight ends generally take longer to develop than most positions, it would make sense for the Patriots to add a player later in the draft this year to replace Austin Hooper as the second tight end, while developing into Henry’s eventual replacement at the top of the depth chart in a few years.
That player could be Mitchell Evans, the latest in the tight end lineage out of Notre Dame. Evans is an old school tight end. At 6-foot-5, 253 pounds he wins from both the slot and inline in the short and intermediate parts of the field by boxing out smaller defenders and/or finding and sitting down in holes in coverage. Evans has reliable hands as well. As a blocker, Evans is a plus in the run game with his size and length.
Playing in Notre Dame’s run heavy offense Evans doesn’t have the production that pops off the paper. In 12 games this year he caught 29 passes for 272 yards and three touchdowns – numbers that ranked second, third, and third on the team respectively. With that he’s a bit more of a projection as a receiver. Heading into the CFP Evans is projected as a Day 3 pick.
Notre Dame would face some more higher-powered offenses if it makes a run in the tournament. If that happens they could end up in situations where they’re forced to throw. That could give Evans more opportunities in the passing game against quality opponents.
OLB Jack Sawyer, Ohio State
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 16: Jack Sawyer #33 of the Ohio State Buckeyes rushes the quarterback against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Wrigley Field on November 16, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
There were so many directions we could have gone with Ohio State, which might have the biggest collection of logical Patriots draft picks of any team in the tournament. Wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, running backs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson, cornerbacks Denzel Burke and David Igbinosun, safety Latham Ransom, and center Seth McLaughlin all got consideration here. Left tackle Josh Simmons would too, but he’s been out since late October with a knee injury and won’t play in the Playoff.
Even just looking at the pass rushers, both J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer are strong options. Projected second-round picks, both are the kind of three down, pass-rushing threat the Patriots are currently missing on defense.
Sawyer gets the nod because his play style projects as a better fit alongside Keion White and Christian Barmore in the Patriots’ current defensive system (not that Tuimoloau wouldn’t have a role).
In the first round against Tennessee and then a potential rematch with Oregon in the Rose Bowl, Sawyer will face two defenses that test the patience and discipline of edge rushers. That’s a trait the Patriots could certainly use in their defense, so those should be valuable games for evaluating him (and Tiumoloau) further.
OLB James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 31: James Pearce Jr. #27 of the Tennessee Volunteers plays against the Chattanooga Mocs during their game at Neyland Stadium on August 31, 2024 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
Another pass rush option for the Patriots in the first round, especially if they end up trading down, James Pearce Jr. entered the season as the projected to pass rusher before getting Abdul Carter’s breakout. In the College Football Playoff, he’ll have another chance to prove that he belongs in the conversation at the top of the draft.
Pearce’s ceiling is based on his natural abilities. His speed off the edge, ability to change direction, and long arms make him a handful when coming around the edge. WIth those natural traits alone he was able to take over games at times this year, highlighted by a 10-pressure, two-sack game against Alabama.
However, Pearce’s game is still technically raw and he’ll need to be better working through the contact that does get to him at the next level. He’ll also need to show he can be more of a regular factor against the run – something he will have a chance to do against Ohio and potentially Oregon in the first two games of the playoff.
One other player to know for Tennessee is running back Dylan Sampson. The focal point of the Vols’ offense, he’s a versatile player that can contribute in both the run and pass game, which would make him a fit in the Patriots’ running back room. He’s a projected Day 3 pick.
OLB Mikail Kamara, Indiana
Oct 26, 2024; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers defensive lineman Mikail Kamara (6) prepares for a snap during the second quarter of a game against the Washington Huskies at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
From the top of the board pass rushers to a Day 3 option. Mikail Kamara transferred from James Madison to Indiana this year following head coach Curt Cignetti, and didn’t miss a beat.
Not only did Kamara surpass his 2023 production with fewer snaps against better competition, he was one of the top performers in the nation. His 61 pressures were tied for the most among Power Four players this year with Donovan Ezeiruaku of Boston College, and his 10 sacks were second in the Big Ten behind only Abdul Carter. His 15 tackles for a loss were also second behind Carter.
Karmara’s play strength, explosiveness, and high motor stand out immediately. Once in the backfield, he does a good job of closing in on the ball carrier. That skill set plays in both the run game and as a pass rusher.
The biggest question about Kamara is his size. At 6-foot-1, 265 pounds he’s not built like a prototypical stand-up edge rusher, but isn’t big enough to be a full-time defensive end. A win against Notre Dame would mean a chance for him to face a Georgia offensive line that features NFL size and talent, and could be a massive game for him from an evaluation standpoint.
DE Elijah Roberts, SMU
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 07: Elijah Roberts #5 of the SMU Mustangs sacks Cade Klubnik #2 of the Clemson Tigers during the first quarter of the 2024 ACC Football Championship at Bank of America Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Add another defensive front player to the list. Unlike some of the other players we’ve discussed who are more hybrid ends/linebackers, Elijah Roberts is closer to a true defensive end.
Roberts transferred from Miami to SMU prior to the 2023 season and had a dominant first season with 71 pressures and 13 sacks. This year against an ACC schedule Roberts’ production dipped a bit but he was still dominant with 57 pressures (tied for fourth among Power Four players) and seven sacks.
Right now Roberts looks like a bit of a tweener – at his size he’ll need to be able to defend the run in the NFL but hasn’t done so consistently. He should get plenty of chances to show what he can do against a strong run game in the matchup with Penn State.
Roberts comes into this game with momentum. The ACC Championship against Clemson was one of his best games of the year – he forced eight pressures with two sacks.
Beyond the playoff, Roberts’ usage will be a question. Is he best dropping some weight and becoming a bigger inside linebacker? Or will a team see him as a player that can be an early-down end and interior rusher on passing downs? Roberts is currently projected to be a Late Day 3 pick.
LB Barrett Carter, Clemson
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Barrett Carter #0 of the Clemson Tigers reads the offense during the first half of a football game against the Stanford Cardinal at Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2024 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
We wrap up with a player at a position that has emerged more and more of a need for the Patriots as the season has gone on – linebacker. Ja’Whaun Bentley returning next year will help the group, but the Patriots still are missing that do-it-all sideline-to-sideline linebacker they lost with the departure of Mack Wilson next year.
Barrett Carter could very well be that player if the Patriots are willing to use a Day 2 pick on a linebacker. Name an assignment a linebacker may be asked to do in an NFL defense, and Carter has probably done it. In his three years as a starter Carter has been used as a run-stopper, pass rusher, and coverage player by the Tigers. The result is two All-ACC seasons and a likely top-100 draft selection.
Carter probably won’t have as much of a downhill role as a pro, but at 6-foot-1, 230 pounds does project as a strong coverage option against running backs and tight ends, who can also use his athleticism to mix in as a pass rusher when needed. On top of that he has the play strength to set the edge in the run game, even if he’s not converging at the point of attack.
Against a very active Texas offense, Carter will be tested to keep things on track in the middle of the Clemson defense in the first round matchup. A win would setup a matchup with Arizona State, and a chance to see him head-to-head against Bo Skattebo.
