As the Coronavirus pandemic continues to affect the functioning of the NFL, its teams must be operated off-season in a non-traditional manner again. The New England Patriots are no exception, of course, and their exploration before the draft illustrates that: the team is already holding virtual meetings with potential targets.
Four such interviews have been reported so far (all via Justin Melo of The Draft Network) and this shows that New England, despite current restrictions, is throwing a wide net:
TE Kenny Yeboah, Ole Mej (6040, 247 lbs): Yeboah is a potential late-draft concept pick, offering an edge as a versatile receiving point that could play a rotating role in New England, alongside Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene in the third round in 2020. Although he did not is not the best blocker, he can give New England a solid match weapon that has the size and run-to-the-catch ability to achieve situational success. Click here for a more in-depth look at Yeboah.
DT Tommy Togiai, Ohio State (6020, 300 lbs): Not only did New England’s home defense line struggle in 2020, but its three top players – Lawrence Guy, Adam Butler, Deatrich Wise Jr. – are also all on their way to free agency. Consequently, the off-season is the most important to get some upgrades on board. Togiai is a great bodybuilder who needs to help on the early discount and can fulfill the position in the nose. New England could not man most of the previous season properly.
DE Daelin Hayes, Notre Dame (6035, 261 lbs): Hayes offers a solid size to man the defensive lead in New England, and could give the Patriots a versatile rotation player to use with projected 2021 frontrunners Chase Winovich and Josh Uche. Although he was not the most explosive pass-rusher, he could see an action as an early lead over the run – a weak spot for the defense of New England in 2020.
RB Jaret Patterson, Buffalo (5090, 195 pounds): While both James White and Rex Burkhead were on their way to free agency, the Patriots might decide to invest in their conservative position in this year’s draft. Patterson is a possible choice in the middle round and will give New England a versatile skill to possibly replace the two veterans: he can carry the ball successfully if asked to run between tackles, but will also be a receiver from the experienced backfield.
The Patriots are no stranger to conducting interviews in a virtual forum. Last season, when the exploration process was suddenly interrupted by Covid-19, New England held 21 of its 71 reported meetings in this way. And as head coach Bill Belichick ended his media conference season in early January, he and his team were prepared for a similar outlook this year.
‘If this spring is the same as last spring, it will be about the same as last spring – virtual interviews with the players and the information as you can get it, and so on. In terms of the past, no NFL scout was on campus talking to players, talking to coaches or watching practice or anything like that. “There were games for which you could buy tickets to go to the game, but it was like it was for the whole league,” said Belichick.
“You just have to evaluate what you have to evaluate. You know, less information is less information. That’s actually all there is to it, and what we will be able to do this spring or what we will not be able to do has yet to be determined. But I think we should probably plan less or more than it was historically. ”
The Patriots were present at the Senior Bowl earlier this month and also get the chance to evaluate the Pro Days of the prospects in whatever forum they take place. However, one critical part of the preparation process – the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis – is not taking place this year.