Like every other team around the NFL, the Patriots have an ideal fit in terms of what they are looking for in a player physically.
In terms of the mental part of the game, we know Bill Belichick prefers high I.Q players that can process a lot of information and execute.
The Patriots also have a specific body type that they want at each position. After studying the Patriots last 18 drafts, I have determined that this is what the Patriots look for physically in a player when they draft them.
Quarterback
Ideal height and weight: 6-3 225
The Patriots have drafted nine quarterbacks since 2000. Of those nine, only two (Rohan Davey and Jimmy Garoppolo) were 6-2. Every other quarterback was between 6-3 and 6-5. The Patriots prefer taller, pocket passers. If they are going to sacrifice size, they want a quarterback who is accurate. For the record, Tom Brady is 6-4 225.
Running Back
Ideal height and weight: 5-10 1/2 210
The Patriots have drafted nine running backs since 2000. The only big backs they drafted during that span was Cedric Cobbs out of Arkansas in 2004 and Justise Hairston out of Central Connecticut State. Cobbs was 6-1 225. Hairston was 6-2 220. Every other back they have drafted has been between 5-10 to 5-11 205 to 215. The Patriots running backs who are decisive and make one cut. It is all about going forward and gaining positive yards.
Wide Receiver
Ideal height and weight: 5-11 205
The Patriots hardly ever draft a receiver over six feet. In fact, Belichick has only drafted three receivers during his time in New England that were over six feet. P.K Sam in 2004 and Malcolm Mitchell and Devin Lucien in 2016. The Patriots value hands and route running over size at the position.
Tight End
Ideal height and weight: 6-4 255
The Patriots have drafted tight ends in two phases. From 2000 to 2009, the average height and weight for a Patriots tight end drafted was 6-3 250. From 2010 to 2018, the average Patriots tight end drafted has been 6-5 250. In the 2010, the Patriots drafted one of each in Rob Gronkowski (6-6 255) and Aaron Hernandez (6-2 250). Belichick loves to use 12 personnel and he likes having an in line tight end at the Y and a move tight end at the U.
Offensive Tackle
Ideal height and weight: 6-5 1/2 305
The Patriots value athleticism at offensive tackle. They are willing to sacrifice length for good feet and the ability to play in space. Since 2000, they have drafted tall tackles like Nate Solder, Conor McDermott and Marcus Cannon who are all 6-6 plus and shorter tackles such as Matt Light (6-4 305), Nick Kaczur (6-4 319) and Isaiah Wynn (6-2 290) who move well in space. The Patriots don’t place a premium on certain requirements at this position. They just take the player who best fits their scheme. Tackles who can move laterally on crack toss plays and power plays are valued.
Guard
Ideal height and weight: 6-3 310
The Patriots have taken a similar approach at guard. Early on in Belichick’s tenure, they went smaller at guard. They have gone bigger in recent years with guys like Logan Mankins, Ted Karras and Joe Thuney. The Patriots want guys that can get on a double team or a scoop block and get a vertical push. They value that more than pulling in some ways. In the Patriots scheme, the backside guard is typically the puller (Thuney) and the front side guard is more of a vertical blocker who can get to the second level.
Center
Ideal height and weight: 6-3 305
The Patriots have a similar approach at center as well. They used to draft average sized center like Dan Koppen in the past. In recent years however, they have gone bigger at the position with guys like Brian Stork and Karras who is a swing lineman (guard and center) Shaq Mason was a guard at Georgia Tech but the undersized lineman was moved to guard and is now one of the best in the business.
Defensive Tackle
Ideal height and weight: 6-3 310
The Patriots want defensive tackles that can get off the ball and control their gap from a shade alignment. Bill Belichick was a 3-4 coach for a long time but has shifted philosophically. The Patriots are a 40 defense now and because of that, they have sacrificed length for players who are shorter and more explosive off the ball.
Defensive End
Ideal height and weight: 6-5 275
Belichick still likes his defensive ends to be long and have the ability to extend blockers and anchor down. Very rarely do the Patriots draft defensive ends in the 6-2 to 6-3 range. Trey Flowers is one of the few exceptions. Unlike defensive tackle, they value length and athleticism over pure explosiveness at this position.
Inside Linebacker
Ideal height and weight: 6-1 1/2 to 6-2 240
The Patriots want smart and versatile players at inside linebacker. They will sacrifice size if they can get a player who plays with good instincts, locates the ball and is physical tackler.
Outside Linebacker
Ideal height and weight: 6-3 to 6-4 240
Dont’a Hightower is a prime example of what Belichick wants out of his outside linebackers. He wants players that can play all three downs and do a variety of things. Hightower is not great in zone coverage. Instead of taking him off the field, Belichick uses him as an edge rusher in his pressure packages. He did the same thing with Mike Vrabel.
Safety
Ideal height and weight: 5-11 210
The Patriots value versatility over a specific size at safety. They want versatile safeties like Patrick Chung and Daron Harmon that can play in all three levels of the defense. The ability to play over the top, fill the alley and lock on in man coverage are all key aspects of playing safety in the Patriots system.
Cornerback
Ideal height and weight: 5-11 190
The Patriots have slowly started to get with the times when it comes to cornerbacks with length. For a long time, Belichick valued fluidity and the ability play in the slot over corners with length and an ability to re-route receivers. The signing of Stephon Gilmore changed that but the patriots have traditionally drafted corners that are in the middle of the pack physically.
Belichick and his staff have always been able to adapt to personnel and scheme changes around the league. These measurements are based on how the Patriots have drafted through the years. It does not mean that they are going to draft or sign free agents based strictly on these measurables. They always look for the best player and the best scheme fit regardless of size.