The New England Patriots need offensive weapons after a down year. Quarterback Tom Brady had one of his worst statistical seasons in just about every passing category. And so as he is set to enter free agency, he seems to be patiently waiting for New England to signal it is going to prioritize helping him this offseason.
That will surely start in free agency, when the Patriots will be attempting to re-sign Brady while adding a handful of other skill players. But it will continue in the 2020 NFL Draft. So with the NFL combine taking place in Indianapolis this week, here are some offensive skill players who may interest the Patriots.
1. Jordan Love, QB, Utah
The quarterback is so physically talented that he’s likely to be off the board when the Patriots pick. But in the event he falls within range of a trade — or even surprisingly to New England at 23rd overall — then the Patriots best be prepared. Love’s talent isn’t in question, but the Patriots will want to run him through a thorough examination of his mental aptitude and his ability to take coaching. He’s got a lot of upside, but in order to reach his full potential, he needs to prove himself a type of player who the Patriots can mold. And surely, he’ll need to address his marijuana possession charge in December.
2. Jacob Eason, QB, Washington
There’s significant character questions about Eason and his maturity, per The Athletic’s Dane Brugler. Can Eason assuage those concerns this week?
3. Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia
I pegged Fromm as a strong candidate for New England, though it’s not totally clear where he might fall in the draft. Perhaps the Patriots would be so bold as to take him in the first round. Perhaps they’d be willing to trade back in the second round to take him there. He’s not like Love — Fromm doesn’t have physical gifts that wow. But he has been a solid starter for three years at Georgia, and has delivered big wins throughout his career against some of the SEC’s top defenses. That goes a long way in Bill Belichick’s evaluation of a player. Perhaps poise and accuracy can help Fromm take the next step in the NFL, even without the strongest arm in his draft class.
4. Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame
How well does he run? If he impresses in the 3-cone drill and 40-yard dash, he could be a very strong consideration for the Patriots at 23rd overall.
5. Hunter Bryant, TE, Washington
As Dane Brugler pointed out, Bryant’s medicals will be crucial for his draft status heading into the draft. Bryant has the potential to go in the first round, considering his impressive athleticism and ball skills. He just needs to show teams he’s not a long-term health risk after suffering a number of knee injuries in college and a fractured back in high school. If he gets that out of the way, perhaps the Patriots will be interested in Bryant as a big slot option for the passing game. (His blocking abilities have never been impressive.)
6. Thaddeus Moss, TE, LSU
His route-running is solid and he has proven a willing run blocker. Moss, the son of former Patriots wideout Randy Moss, is also solid with the ball in the air, as he has a good spacial awareness for managing defenders and the sideline. The biggest question mark with Moss is his athleticism. If he tests well in the 3-cone drill and the 40-yard dash, the Patriots will likely take major interest in the young tight end.
7. Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
He’s a fringe first-round pick, who could secure a spot between 16th and 32 overall if he has a nice showing in the pre-draft process. His athleticism needs to show in Indy, as his raw physical tools will be what tempts a team. The Patriots may also want to bring in the wideout for an interview to test his aptitude for the game. He seemed a lot like a play who might need help getting the ball in his hands in year one. They may decide to avoid someone like that, considering the difficulties with N’Keal Harry to start his career.
8. James Proche, WR, SMU
His ability to catch the ball was impressive in college, and he showed a solid ability to create separation, albeit against cornerbacks who weren’t exactly SEC standouts. But he wasn’t a blazer in college. He didn’t show freakish strength or agility either. If he wants to boost his stock in a deep class of wideouts, Proche needs to stand out in one measurable test or another to turn heads on his athleticism and strength.
9. Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
The Patriots like to get their tackles a year too early rather than a year too late. As New England could easily part ways with tackle Marcus Cannon this year or next, the team may want to solidify a cheaper option.
Becton may prove to be a freakish athlete, who puts himself out of the Patriots reach during the combine. But if his testing numbers aren’t off the charts, he may be around for the Patriots’ first-round pick.
10. Josh Jones, OT, Houston
Jones’ situation is almost exactly like Becton’s. There are roughly six offensive tackles who could work their way into the first round. And Jones is among them. For now, he’s a fringe first-rounder. A strong combine performance may secure his first-round status.
