DL Logan Hall
Oct 7, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Houston Cougars defensive lineman Logan Hall (92) sacks Tulane Green Wave quarterback Michael Pratt (7) during the second half at Yulman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Hall was an edge setter for the Cougars, but projects to be able to play all across the defensive line in the NFL. At 6-foot-6, 283 pounds he can help hold up the edge against smaller, athletic tackles, then rotate inside on passing downs as an interior pass rusher.
The Patriots traditionally favor versatile defensive lineman, and could use Hall in a number of ways. He’s expected to go on Day 2, when the Patriots have taken edge players in each of the last three drafts (Ronnie Perkins, Josh Uche, Anfernee Jennings, Chase Winovich).
CB Marcus Jones
Sep 25, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars cornerback Marcus Jones (8) returns a punt for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Navy Midshipmen at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jones spent the first two years of his collegiate career at Troy before transferring to Houston for the 2020 season. A fast, agile slot corner with some safety ability, Jones could be a fit in the Patriots’ “positionless” secondary. He had five interceptions and 13 pass breakups in 13 games for the Cougars last year. Size is his biggest issue, he measured in at 5-foot-8, 174 pounds at the Combine.
However, his play on defense is only part of Jones’ overall evaluation. He’s been one of the best kick and punt returners in the nation since he was a freshman with the Trojans. In four seasons, he returned six kickoffs and three punts for touchdowns. In 2021 alone he had two touchdowns each on kick and punt returns, while averaging 34 yards per kick return. He was named a consensus All-American kick returner after the season.
DB Damarion Williams
Sep 25, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars cornerback Damarion Williams (6) tackles Navy Midshipmen quarterback Xavier Arline (7) during the first quarter at TDECU Stadium. Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Williams played boundary corner, slot corner, and safety four the Cougars. He plays physically in coverage, and is a willing tackler in the running game. This past season, he recorded 63 tackles with eight pass breakups and a pick.
In the NFL Williams may not have the athleticism to play full-time on the outside, but would be best suited for a multi-position role in the secondary. That’s been a theme for the Patriots this offseason, so he’s someone to keep an eye on. He’s currently projected as a late Day 3 pick or priority UDFA.
Other workouts
Sep 18, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars defensive lineman David Anenih (12) tackles Grambling State Tigers quarterback Aldon Clark (2) during the second quarter at TDECU Stadium. Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
The Cougars had 10 other players take part in the Pro Day, all projected UDFAs. The top player from that group is outside linebacker David Anenih. Anenih is a three year starter and another explosive edge rusher who played opposite Hall for the Cougars. Last season he had 10 tackles for a loss and five sacks in 14 games. He’s more of a speed rusher, and would likely be a pass rush specialist and special teams contributor in the NFL.
Rounding out the players working out were running backs Chandler Smith and Mulbah Car, wide receivers Jaylen Erwin and Cole McGowan, tight end Seth Green, offensive lineman Kody Russey, defensive lineman Jake Herslow, linebacker Deontay Anderson, and kicker Dalton Witherspoon.
Rice Pro Day
Sep 18, 2021; Austin, Texas, USA; Rice Owls tight end Jordan Myers (7) runs the ball against Texas Longhorns defensive back Jerrin Thompson (28) during the second quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Credit: John Gutierrez-USA TODAY Sports
Meanwhile across town, the Patriots had an unidentified scout at Rice according to Ari Alexander of KPRC Houston. The Owls had five players take part in the workout.
All five players from that Pro Day are projected UDFAs. The standout of the group is Jordan Myers. Described by his own coaches as a “swiss army knife,” Myers was listed as a wide receiver and tight end at different points throughout his career but was mainly used as a ball carrier. In 2021, he ran the ball 92 times in 11 games for 338 yards and eight touchdowns, adding another 27 catches for 278 yards and another score. After the season, he was named Rice’s Offensive Player of the Year. Rice head coach Mike Bloomgren raved about his well-rounded game and high football IQ on a number of occasions during the season.
The other players taking part in that Pro Day were quarterback Jake Constantine, offensive linemen Jovaun Woolford and Elijah Garcia, and safety Naeem Smith.
