Senior Bowl Saturday is upon us! Here are ten prospects playing in the game that would be good fits for the Patriots.
Myles Gaskin, RB 5-10 191, Washington: Gaskin is a shifty undersized back who is similar to James White. He can plant, make a cut and get to the second level quickly as a runner. As a receiver, Gaskin is a smooth route runner who has good hands and can make defenders miss after the catch. The Patriots may take a flier on a player like Gaskin if they decide to move on from Rex Burkhead.
Andy Isabella, WR, 5-9 190, UMass: I’m not simply putting Isabella on this list because he is an undersized slot receiver from a small. Isabella would give the Patriots the vertical speed threat they lack at receiver right now and he return punts as well. The Patriots have scouted Isabella for three years. They value his skill set and they will target him.
Alex Wesley, WR, 5-11 178, Northern Colorado:,Wesley is a sound route runner who gets in and out of breaks and can separate after the catch. He is adept at finding dead spots in zone coverage and settling. A competitive run blocker who plays with good effort. Wesley could be a good day three value for the Patriots.
Dax Raymond, TE, 6-5 250, Utah State: Raymond is a move tight end who is athletic, runs good routes and can make defenders miss after the catch. He has improved as an in-line blocker but he has work to do. With Rob Gronkowski possibly retiring, the Patriots could target two tight ends in this draft.
Drew Sample, TE, 6-5 260, Washington: Another move tight who is athletic and can create one on one match ups. Sample started to come on last season at Washington but he has yet to reach his potential.
Jonathan Ledbetter, DE, 6-3 276, Georgia: Ledbetter was highly productive at Georgia as a three year starter. He has a motor. Ledbetter gets off the ball quickly and can naturally bend and redirect. He runs the loop effectively as a pass rusher and closes quickly on the quarterback. Ledbetter is a bit short armed but he fits the profile of what the Patriots look for in a five technique defensive end.
Khalen Saunders, DT, 6-2 318, Western Illinois: Saunders is a terrific athlete for his size. He shows good burst and explosiveness off the snap. He moves well vertically and laterally. With Malcolm Brown and Danny Shelton both free agents, the Patriots will invest in the defensive tackle position in this draft. Saunders is a good scheme fit as a shade nose.
Jalen Jelks, OLB/DE, 6-5 244, Oregon: Jelks is explosive off the ball and has the athleticism to be effective as a pass rusher and to drop in coverage. He is versatile. Jelks can play in all packages and situations and on special teams.
Christian Miller, OLB, 6-4 244, Alabama: A poor man’s Dont’a Hightower. Miller is versatile and can play a variety of roles within a scheme. He is effective as an on line pass rusher and can pressure from depth. He is athletic enough to detach into space and play underneath in coverage as well. Typical high I.Q Alabama defensive player. A Belichick type linebacker.
Nasir Adderley, FS, 5-11 197, Delaware: A combo safety, cornerback who competes at a high level and has terrific ball skills. Adderley is technically sound. He uses his hands and feet in concert and gets proper hip position on receivers. Another player who offers versatility and can play special teams.