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New England Patriots

New England Patriots

New England Patriots

Patriots had multiple evaluators on hand for local receiver’s pro day

By Alex Barth
Sep 3, 2022; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Boston College Eagles receiver Zay Flowers (4) runs the ball during the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

Normally, the pro day circuit takes NFL talent evaluators all over the country. On Friday though, Patriots staffers were able to check in on some prospects – including a projected first round pick – right in their back yards.

Boston College’s pro day was held on Friday in the team’s field house. According to multiple reports the Patriots had at least three evaluators in attendance, including director of college scouting Camren Williams.

  • The top player at BC’s pro day was wide receiver Zay Flowers, who is currently projected to be a first-round pick. Flowers in an explosive receiver who excels after the catch and is a strong route runner. While playing both on the boundary and in the slot in college, he projects primarily as a slot receiver in the NFL.

    AWith a 4.42 second 40-yard dash and 35.5-inch vertical on his record from the Combine, Flowers didn’t take part in any of the measurable drills. He did go through the on-field workouts, and met with team representatives. Not only did he go through reps at receiver but also fielded punts – something Patriots coaches had him do at the Shrine Bowl back in January.

  • Flowers isn’t the only NFL prospect coming from BC this year though. Jaiden Woodbey is expected to get attention from NFL teams as a Day 3 prospect.

    Woodbey, who was on the Patriots’ team at the Shrine Bowl, is listed as either a linebacker or safety by various outlets. He began his career as a coverage linebacker at Florida State, but began playing more deep safety after transferring to BC  in 2021. Last year, he played 93 snaps on the defensive line, 412 in the box, 156 at free safety, 134 at slot corner, and 29 at boundary corner.

    Unlike Flowers, Woodbey did take part in athletic testing. At 6-foot, 222 pounds he recorded 4.67u and 4.72u times in the 40, and had a 35-inch vertical.

  • One other player who is expected to get NFL looks is defensive end Marcus Valdez. At 6-foot, 256 pounds some NFL teams may see him as a pass-rushing outside linebacker.

    Valdez enters the draft with a ton of experience. He’s played at least 300 snaps all five seasons he’s been with the Eagles, and has eclipsed 500 snaps three times. That includes last year, when he recorded 29 pressures including four sacks, and 17 run stops in 12 games.

  • Also in attendance was quarterback Austin Burton. Burton started two games for Purdue last year, but elected to get the extra workout in front of scouts in his hometown. The son of WBZ sports director Steve Burton, Austin grew up in Newton, Mass.

    There’s about one week left of full pro day workouts. Notable schools hosting pro days next week include West Virginia (Monday), Texas A&M, Louisville (Tuesday), Pittsburgh, Arkansas, LSU, Maryland (Wednesday), TCU, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Florida (Thursday), and Kansas State (Friday). For a full list, check out this year’s pro day schedule here.

  • 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 [email protected].

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