CB Derek Stingley Jr.
Sep 18, 2021; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (7) reacts after making a tackle against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Clause/The Advertiser via USA TODAY NETWORK
Stingley was viewed as a potential first-overall pick before a foot injury limited him to just three games in 2021. His draft stock had started to fall when he missed the Combine, but then he ran a 4.43 40 at his Pro Day. Concerns about Stingley may be more media driven than anything else – he should be off the board well before the Patriots pick at 21.
LB Damone Clark
Nov 6, 2021; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Jameson Williams (1) is tackled by LSU Tigers defensive back Raydarious Jones (29) and linebacker Damone Clark (18) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
Coming off a 135-tackle season, Clark was expected to be a late Day 2 pick in this year’s draft. His production and motor make him an easy prospect to like. He’s also another product of what’s quickly becoming a middle linebacker factory at LSU, following Devin White and Patrick Queen.
However, it was reported in March that Clark needed and underwent spinal fusion surgery. The recovery from that procedure is expected to hold him out for at least the entirety 2022 season. Accordingly, his draft stock is expected to slide. Would this discourage the Patriots. They took Cameron McGrone, another middle linebacker, in the fifth-round last year knowing he wouldn’t play after tearing his ACL in November.
IOL Ed Ingram
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA – OCTOBER 05: Guard Ed Ingram #70 of the LSU Tigers in action against the Utah State Aggies at Tiger Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Ingram is an interesting guard prospect as a project player late on Day 2. He showed flashes of starting-caliber ability over the last two years, but not consistently enough to be penciled into a starting job right away in the NFL. He’s also slightly undersized at 6-foot-3, 307 pounds. The team that drafts him will be looking at his upside and versatility (he has experience playing both guard spots).
DT Neil Farrell Jr.
Nov 16, 2019; Oxford, MS, USA; Louisiana State Tigers defensive lineman Neil Farrell, Jr. (92) lines up against the Mississippi Rebels in the first half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
It would make sense for the Patriots to add a nose tackle at some point in this draft, and Farrell would be a fit on Day 3. At 6-foot-4, 330 pounds, he’s tough to move even before you consider how relentlessly he attacks his opposition at the line of scrimmage. Once seen as a potential top-100 pick, Farrell’s stock has fallen coming off a rough outing at the Combine. However, a team like the Patriots may see him as a value pick in the fourth or fifth round.
IOL Chasen Hines
Mar 4, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisiana State offensive lineman Chasen Hines (OL20) goes through drills during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
LSU’s other starting guard in 2021, Hines could be a textbook fit for the Patriots Day 3. He brings NFL size to the position at 6-foot-3, 327 pounds, and has started 16 games over the last two years at right guard. At this point, he just needs to round out the finer technical points of his game, which is something the Patriots have had a lot of success working with players on in recent years.
CB Cordale Flott
Sep 4, 2021; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Zach Charbonnet (24) runs the ball against Louisiana State Tigers cornerback Cordale Flott (25) during the first half the at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Flott is a raw project player expected to go on Day 3. He’s still yet to find a primary role, and played both outside and in the slot at LSU. In 2021, he mostly played out of the slot, and if he continues to develop there he could help match up against the ‘big slot’ receivers that are becoming more popular in the NFL. At 6-foot, 175 pounds, he’s still growing into his frame as well. Flott’s athleticism is encouraging, as is his willingness as a tackler, and he should be able to contribute on special teams, but is still appears to be a few years away from taking significant cornerback snaps.
K Cade York
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA – OCTOBER 02: Cade York #36 of the LSU Tigers kick a field goal during the first half against the Auburn Tigers at Tiger Stadium on October 02, 2021 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
York is considered one of the top kickers in this class. In three years with the Tigers, he connected on 81.8 percent of his 66 field goal attempts, and 97.6 percent of his extra points. The Patriots may have a longer-term need at kicker, depending on how they view Quinn Nordin, but generally have preferred kickers with experience in more inclement climates. York is expected to be a late Day 3 pick or priority UDFA.
RT Austin Deculus
Oct 23, 2021; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; LSU Tigers offensive linemen Austin Deculus (76) blocks Mississippi Rebels linebacker Cedric Johnson (33) during the second half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
LSU is expected to have a handful of priority UDFA’s, including right tackle Austin Deculus. A four-year contributor who started 46 career games for the Tigers, Deculus is a hard-working, power based right tackle. He may not have starter upside, but his durability, size (6-foot-5, 321 pounds), and willingness to dish out punishment should attract the attention of some teams.
RB Tyrion Davis-Price
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 13: Tyrion Davis-Price #3 of the LSU Tigers runs with the ball during the fist half against the Arkansas Razorbacks of a game at Tiger Stadium on November 13, 2021 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
LSU has produced some serious running back talent the last few years. The latest back to come out of the bayou is Davis-Price, who may have moved himself into draft contention by running a 4.48 40 at 6-foot, 211 pounds. In his lone year as the team’s primary back in 2021, Davis-Price ran for 1,003 yards at 4.8 yards per carry, with six touchdowns. He’s not going to offer much in the passing game, but if a team wants a bowling ball back with home run potential, he’s the guy.
Other workouts
Jan 4, 2022; Houston, TX, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Jontre Kirklin (13) runs with the ball during the second quarter against the Kansas State Wildcats during the 2022 Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium. Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The other players the Patriots saw workout at LSU’s Pro Day are wide receiver Jontre Kirklin, tight end Jamal Pettigrew, center Liam Shanahan, defensive tackle Glen Logan, defensive end Andre Anthony, defensive backs Cameron Lewis and Darren Evans, and punter Avery Atkins. All are projected to be UDFA’s.
