L-R: Washington QB Michael Penix, UNC WR Tez Walker, UNH RB Dylan Laube, Oklahoma OT Tyler Guyton (all images via USA Today)
This week Mobile, Alabama hosts one of the biggest events of the pre-draft process. Over 100 of this year’s top draft prospects will be on hand to take part in the Senior Bowl, which is the top showcase All-Star game for college players. That mean’s it’s time for our 2024 Senior Bowl preview.
The evaluation process is more than just the game though. Players are split into two teams – ‘American’ and ‘National’ – and each team holds practice Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (this year the National team will practice in the morning, and the American team in the afternoon). These practices, like training camp practices, give players a chance to showcase what they can do, as they face off consistently against other projected NFL players. The game is then held on Saturday.
READ MORE:
—Patriots coaching staff tracker
—98.5 Draft Hub
—Scott Zolak on Jayden Daniels
It will be a great chance for NFL talent evaluators to really see how certain players stack up against one another, especially given the level of talent on the field. Outside of some small school players with limited exposure (for example, Kyle Dugger had a massive Senior Bowl in 2020), most players have their general draft stock set but this week will be big for sorting players within the general outside. We’ll get into some specific examples of that as we go through our Senior Bowl preview.
Full Senior Bowl rosters can be found on the game’s website. However that’s over 100 players, so we’ll narrow it down a bit and take a look at players to watch position-by-position, with more of a focus on the positions the Patriots need to upgrade the most in this year’s draft. This is always a big event for the Patriots, who drafted five Senior Bowl players last year (Keion White, Marte Mapu, Jake Andrews, Chad Ryland, and Bryce Baringer).
Quarterbacks
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 04: Michael Penix Jr. #9 of the Washington Huskiesat United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 04, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Two of the ‘big six’ quarterbacks in this draft will be on the field in Mobile – Michael Penix of Washington and Bo Nix of Oregon. Both have been assigned to the National team.
For Penix, this game will be another chance to prove himself after his struggles in the National Championship Game. While in a practice setting he won’t get a chance to show he can be better under pressure, it will be another opportunity to throw the ball against some of the best defensive backs in college football. He’ll also be able to talk with teams about his heath, which will be a major determinant factor in his draft stock.
As for Nix, this is a good chance for him to prove what he can do outside of the Oregon offensive system, in which he had one of the lowest average depths of target this year. How he throws the ball downfield from the pocket will be the most telling part of his week. Overall though, with a record 61 college starts under his belt teams should already be very familiar with his strengths and weaknesses.
There are two other projected top 150 quarterbacks taking part in the Senior Bowl – both in the American team. Michael Pratt from Tulane is the top non-Power Five quarterback in this class. A four-year starter he has excellent accuracy from the pocket and sees the field well. How he performs throwing the ball on the run will be a bit test.
Then there’s Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton. Milton is one of the more fascinating prospects in this class. His arm strength is unmatched – he can throw a ball 60 yards without using his lower half. Yet his accuracy and decision-making are sporadic. Teams will be sold on some of his strengths – his athleticism joining his arm strength, but showing NFL scouts he can place the ball where it needs to be consistently – especially in the short and intermediate parts of the field – will be his biggest task this week.
Running backs
Sep 25, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New Hampshire Wildcats running back Dylan Laube (20) returns a kick-off against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The biggest need for the Patriots at the running back position this offseason is a passing-down back (think James White, Shane Vereen, Kevin Faulk). There are a couple of backs in Mobile that stand out as potential fits for the role, who project as Day 3 selections.
For the first, we don’t have to go far. Dylan Laube of UNH is on the National team and will be one of the most-watched players this week. He’s a polished receiver, catching 68 passes in 2023 for the Wildcats and 155 of his 197 targets in his five-year career. Laube is a polished route runner who can make an impact lining up outside the formation as well as out of the backfield. He’s also shown to be a capable pass blocker. That all being said, that was at the FCS level. This week will be a great chance for him to show he can still make an impact against top FBS – and future NFL – players.
Cody Schrader of the American is a former D-II standout who transferred to Missouri in 2022 and became a key part of the Tigers’ offense and a leader for the program. He ran for 1,627 yards in 2023, while intermittently contributing as a pass catcher. There were flashes, but this week will be a good chance to show he can thrive in that role consistently. He also has the tools and toughness to be a competitive pass blocker.
His Senior Bowl teammate Jaylen Wright from Tennessee is in a similar spot. He showed up more in pass protection than catching the ball during his time in Knoxville. If he shows a strong receiving base at the Senior Bowl, that could go a long way.
The Patriots could also look to add an early-down back on Day 3 with Rhamondre Stevenson on an expiring contract. A couple of notable names and highly-productive backs who could fit that role are Kentucky’s Ray Davis (American) and Marshall’s Rasheen Ali (National).
NOTE: Wright was a late scratch from the Senior Bowl roster
Wide receivers
Nov 18, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver Xavier Legette (17) makes a touchdown reception over Kentucky Wildcats defensive back Andru Phillips (23) in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports Kentucky
This might be the deepest group of receivers taking part in the Senior Bowl in my six years covering the event. At initial run through, 12 names ended up on the ‘players to watch’ list.
Of those 12, nine are part of a crowded group of Day 2 receivers that doesn’t have a lot of consensus right now. This week will go a long way in sorting out that group.
Not only is it a deep class, but diverse. There are big, traditional ‘X’ jump ball receivers, down-field burners, shifty slot receivers, and players that sit somewhere between multiple clarifications. Basically, whatever a team’s needs are at wide receiver, they should have a chance to get their guy on Day 2.
Some of the top outside receivers in this group include Florida State’s Johnny Wilson, South Carolina’s Xavier Legette, USC’s Brenden Rice (the son of Jerry Rice), and North Carolina’s Tez Walker. The ‘tweener’ group is made up of Florida’s Ricky Pearsall, Georgia’s Ladd McConkey, and Michigan’s Roman Wilson. Arizona’s Jacob Cowing and Western Kentucky’s Malachi Corley highlight the slot group.
There are some later Day 3 receivers to watch in this group too. Louisville’s Jamari Thrash, Texas’ Jordan Whittington, and Texas A&M’s Ainias Smith are a few who stand out as potentially overlooked in a very deep class. Luke McCaffrey from Rice, Christian McCaffrey’s brother, will also be in attendance.
Tight ends
MANHATTAN, KS – NOVEMBER 25: Tight end Ben Sinnott #34 of the Kansas State Wildcats runs up field after catching a pass against defensive back Beau Freyler #17 of the Iowa State Cyclones in the second half at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Manhattan, Kansas. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
As the offseason begins, the Patriots have no tight ends under contract for 2024. Hunter Henry, Mike Gesicki, and Pharaoh Brown are all pending free agents. While it’s possible one or two end up signing new deals, it would still make a lot of sense for the Patriots to invest in a young tight end to develop as the next long-term starter at the position.
The Senior Bowl tight ends all make a lot of sense for the Patriots, with most of the group projected to go at some point on Day 3. For the Patriots, the bigger question will be what kind of tight end do they want? A bigger, traditional tight end to take over for Henry, or a smaller ‘move’ tight end to complement him?
In terms of more ‘classic’ tight ends, Brevyn Spann-Ford of Minnesota and Jared Wiley of TCU are two players that stand out as Patriots fits. Spann-Ford has tremendous size for the position at 6-foot-7, 269 pounds which makes him a real factor in the run game.
The more modern move tight ends are Ben Sinnott of Kansas State (who is one of the more underrated tight ends in this draft) and Jaheim Bell of Florida State. Sinnott can handle some fullback-like responsibilities as well, which could be attractive to the Patriots if they want to bring back some of the concepts of the old Josh McDaniels offense.
Offensive linemen
Sep 30, 2023; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars offensive tackle Patrick Paul (76) in the second half during the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Much like the wide receiver position, the second tier of the offensive tackles in this class needs a lot of sorting out as the pre-draft process begins. Heading into the Senior Bowl there are seven tackles projected to go in the range between picks 20 and 50 – right in the sweet spot for the Patriots’ second pick of the draft (either staying at 34, or trading back up into the first round).
Six of those seven tackles will be in action in Mobile. The group is made up of Taliese Fuaga of Oregon State, Jordan Morgan of Arizona, Kingsley Suamataia of BYU, Troy Fautanu of Washington, Tyler Guyton of Oklahoma, and Patrick Paul of Houston.
Again, like at wide receiver the players are separated more by types than actual ability. There’s a mix of left tackles, right tackles, and swing tackles. There are also guys like Fautanu and Morgan who are more NFL-ready, high floor players, and guys like Paul who is more of a developmental, high-ceiling player.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Patriots double up at tackle in this draft, either. Some projected Day 3 tackles that stand out from the Senior Bowl group are Christian Jones from Texas, Javon Foster from Missouri, and Roger Rosengarten from Washington.
NOTE: Fautanu was a late scratch from the Senior Bowl roster
Defensive linemen
Sep 30, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman McKinnley Jackson (3) and Arkansas Razorbacks running back Raheim Sanders (5) in action during the game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
While most of the focus with the Patriots in this draft will be on offense, there is a whole other side of the ball. The team has some more minor needs, including along the defensive line. With Davon Godchaux and Lawrence Guy both entering contract years with very little guaranteed money, adding another run-stopper up front would make sense.
Defensive line is another strong position in this Senior Bowl class, especially defensive tackles. Texas had arguably the best DT combo in the nation this year in T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy, who will both be in Mobile. Both are very fun players to watch, but project as second-round picks which probably puts them out of range for the Patriots.
If the Patriots wanted to make a reasonably solid investment at the position, they could trade into the end of the third round and target McKinnley Jackson from Texas A&M. Jackson has great explosiveness at 6-foot-2, 325 pounds and will come into the NFL as a pro-ready run defender with upside as a pass rusher.
One of the best run stoppers projected to go on Day 3 is DeWayne Carter from Duke. At 6-foot-3, 305 pounds Carter is a high-IQ, high-motor player whose strength at the point of attack can create opportunities for those around him.
Linebackers
Oct 21, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Jaylan Ford (41) in action during the fourth quarter against the Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium. Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Linebacker is another position where the Patriots could look to get ahead of things with Day 3 investments either to counter potential losses in free agency or aimed more at 2025 and beyond than 2024.
Mack Wilson is a pending free agent, after playing a crucial role in the Patriots’ defense last year. While the team should look to bring him back, they could target Jaylen Ford from Texas as a potential backup and/or longer-term replacement. In a four-year career as a starter for the Longhorns Ford handled a number of assignments and lined up in multiple alignments. Wherever he lines up he plays with good instincts and a high motor, but there are some questions about his overall athleticism at 6-foot-3, 240 pounds.
If the Patriots want to try to find a backup for Ja’Whaun Bentley, Edefuan Ulofoshio is a similar player. He’s a bit on the smaller side at 6-foot-1, 236 pounds but is a consistent run-stopper when playing downhill. A four-year starter at Washington, Ulofoshio showed growth this year both in coverage and as an edge rusher.
Cornerbacks
PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 3: Defensive back Max Melton #16 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights celebrates his interception against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second quarter of a college football game at SHI Stadium on September 3, 2023 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
Cornerback – specifically boundary cornerback – is definitely a depth need for the Patriots. There will be a competition for the third outside spot behind Jon Jones and Christian Gonzalez, which right now projects to be between Marco Wilson, Alex Austin, Shaun Wade, and Isaiah Bolden. It would make sense for the Patriots to add a rookie to that mix.
Of the Day 3 cornerbacks, Kris Abrams-Draine of Missouri and Max Melton of Rutgers look like potential finds. Abrams-Draine is a converted wide receiver, and that shows in his ball skills approaching and at the catch point. Having just switched positions in 2021 he’s still raw technically, but does have encouraging natural skills.
Melton is an experienced player as a four-year starter at Rutgers, and with that experience comes the versatility to play in multiple alignments and across man-zone concepts. He’s been very productive on the ball in his career, not just one defense but on special teams as well. He blocked four punts in 2022 alone, and has experience as a returner as well. Melton could be a boost to the Patriots in the kicking game while developing as a rotational corner.
Safeties
Nov 11, 2023; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Javon Bullard (22) intercepts a pass over top of Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Dayton Wade (19) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Pending what happens in free agency, the Patriots’ biggest need on defense is a true free safety. Last year the team rotated box safeties in the deep role, with mixed results.
Miami’s Kamren Kinchens would be a great fit, but he’s a projected top 40 pick. While this is a need, it’s unlikely the Patriots would address it that high. Instead the team could look to Georgia safety Javon Bullard, who is expected to go later on Day 2.
After playing mainly as a slot corner in 2022, Bullard became Georgia’s starting free safety in 2023 and was the fourth-highest graded player at the position in this draft class. His ability to recognize plays and passing concepts stands out as a strength, but seeing how he looks against top athletes this week will be telling.
One other really fun player who will be at the Senior Bowl this year is Utah’s Sione Vaki. Vaki primarily played free safety for the Utes but also spent considerable time at box safety, slot corner, as a pass rusher, as well as playing running back as a package player on offense at 6-foot, 208 pounds. He’s projected to be a Day 3 pick.
Specialists
Sep 16, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide place kicker Will Reichard (16) lines up a field goal against the South Florida Bulls in the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Even though they used a fourth-round pick on Chad Ryland last year, given his struggles it wouldn’t be the most surprising thing to see the Patriots invest in a kicker again this offseason. It’d make more sense for them to sign veteran competition or bring in a UDFA, but for the sake of being thorough Will Reichard from Alabama and Joshua Karty from Stanford are the two kickers to watch at the Senior Bowl. In the Bill Belichick era the Patriots would draft kickers with experience kicking in inclement weather in college – if that strategy continues it probably rules both out.
While the Patriots’ don’t need a punter, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Iowa’s Tory Taylor. As highly touted a punter prospect as the draft has seen in a few years, Taylor won the Ray Guy Award in 2023. He gets everything he has in his 6-foot-4, 232-pound frame into his kicks, yet hits the ball with great control. He set a number of NCAA records, including the single season and career yardage records.
