Jim Nagy should command your attention when it comes to the New England Patriots at the NFL Draft. One of the few people to predict 2022 first-round pick Cole Strange, the former Patriots scout and current executive director of the annual Senior Bowl is once again making his own picks for Bill Belichick and New England.
In 2022, Nagy spoke with ESPN’s Mike Reiss about the Patriots’ best draft fits. For interior offensive linemen, Nagy named B.C. standout Zion Johnson and Strange. Johnson went just before the Patriots could take him, at 17th overall in the NFL Draft.
Instead of possibly trading up for Johnson, the Patriots moved down from 21 to 29 and selected Strange out of Tennessee-Chattanooga. Bullseye for Nagy. So, now that he has new fits in mind for the Patriots, it’s worth getting to know these players better.
Wide Receiver: Nathaniel ‘Tank’ Dell, Houston
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars wide receiver Nathaniel Dell (1) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane at TDECU Stadium. Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
First of all, elite name. But Dell gets the nod from Nagy because of his explosiveness, acceleration, and ability to play “through contact” despite being only 166 pounds. He would be a second slenderman to be drafted into the Patriots wide receiver corps after Tyquan Thornton, and that wiry frame could be why Dell waits until the third round, per Nagy.
Wide Receiver: Ronnie Bell, Michigan
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 12: Ronnie Bell #8 of the Michigan Wolverines catches a first half touchdown pass while playing the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Michigan Stadium on November 12, 2022 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Bell is projected as more of a day 3 pick as a slot receiver, but Nagy sees him as a fit for the Patriots because … well, he’s a slot receiver. And should be a “tough,” “competitive,” and “productive” one at the NFL level. He’d have a good chance to make a surprisingly early impact if all goes well with Bill O’Brien and Mac Jones.
Offensive Tackle: Tyler Steen, Alabama
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
Of course. Alabama kid. That’s really all you need to know in order to understand why Steen would be of interest to Belichick. But Nagy named Steen mainly because of his versatility, because he played both tackle spots and even some guard at Alabama. Nagy describes Steen as a “true four-position guy.” We also named Steen here at 985TheSportsHub.com because of his relatively impressive Combine results.
Defensive Back: Jartavius ‘Quan’ Martin, Illinois
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 15: Jartavius Martin #21 of the Illinois Fighting Illini intercepts a pass intended for Michael Brown-Stephens #22 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the second half at Memorial Stadium on October 15, 2022 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Bet you can’t guess why Nagy pegged Martin as a Patriots type of draft pick! Nope, wrong. It’s versatility. Martin “probably has as much position flexibility as anybody in the draft,” Nagy told Reiss. He’s played both outside and inside cornerback along with some safety. He’s like a slightly bigger Jonathan Jones, basically. He can be had on day 2.
Tight End: Will Mallory, Miami
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 26: Will Mallory #85 of the Miami Hurricanes reacts after a first down reception against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on November 26, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Nagy believes Mallory is “an underrated guy” because he’s projected to go in the third or fourth round, but has the tools and background to be a really good NFL tight end. Mallory led all tight ends at the Combine with a 4.51 40-yard dash, and Nagy also noted his size and length as allowing him to play on the line, as well as move around the formation.
Tight End: Payne Durham, Purdue
Oct 8, 2022; College Park, Maryland, USA; Purdue Boilermakers tight end Payne Durham (87) runs after the catch during the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Here’s a kid who got a mention in Alex Barth’s 2023 draft preview for tight ends. Both Nagy and Barth have identified Durham as a possible day-3 target for the Patriots. Standing at 6-foot-6, Durham is huge and could fill a blocking role early. If he can round out his game as a pass-catcher, he could become a real find in the late rounds.
Edge Rusher: Isaiah Foskey, Notre Dame
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 05: Isaiah Foskey #7 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in action against the Clemson Tigers during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium on November 05, 2022 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Now this is an interesting one. At 6-foot-5 with 34-inch arms, Foskey may have the requisite size and length to be an effective 5-technique at the NFL level. The Patriots’ main guy in that type of role has been Deatrich Wise, who has basically reinvented himself over the past few seasons to become more effective at that spot on the line. Foskey is expected to be a solid pass-rusher in the NFL, but Nagy believes he can be an every-down player.
