The New England Patriots may use their first three picks in subsequent week’s NFL draft on a quarterback, offensive deal with and extensive receiver in some order.
However even as soon as the Patriots handle these most evident wants, they are going to nonetheless have 5 draft picks at their disposal. What place may the Patriots goal within the center to late rounds? How a few cornerback.
Drafting a nook doesn’t really feel prefer it ought to be a precedence for the Patriots. They’re well-stocked on the place because of the returns of Christian Gonzalez and Marcus Jones. However that hasn’t stopped New England from doing its due diligence on prospects who may present depth within the secondary.
In response to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Patriots will get a more in-depth look at cornerback Decamerion Richardson on Monday when the Mississippi State product involves Foxboro on a go to. Richardson received’t be the solely prospect at One Patriot Place on Monday with one of many draft’s high quarterbacks anticipated to be paying New England a go to as effectively.
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Schefter additionally famous that Richardson can have additionally met with the Denver Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Chargers, Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans by the tip of the week.
Richardson began 26 video games in his profession at Mississippi State and the 6-foot-2, 195-pound nook confirmed effectively on the mix, displaying his athleticism and operating a 4.34 40-yard sprint. Richardson one way or the other by no means recorded an interception with the Bulldogs — he did have seven passes defended this previous season — and NFL analyst Lance Zierlein sees clear limitations along with his talent set.
“Two-year beginning cornerback with excellent bodily options however below-average protection options,” Zierlein wrote. “He’s leggy with below-average lateral transitions and alter of path in area. Richardson doesn’t play with sufficient anticipation or short-area burst to make performs on the ball however does have a giant make-up gear in a straight line. He’s OK as a tackler however ought to get higher with a larger focus in that division. Richardson’s measurement and top-end pace will instantly garner consideration, however he doesn’t seem to have the talent set to play security and shall be restricted by a slender scheme match.”
It’s puzzling that Zierlein believes Richardson is simply a median tackler since that gave the impression to be an space of power for the 23-year-old. He led all SEC corners in tackles the final two seasons — he tallied 79 final season and 85 in 2022. However corners with high-tackle totals aren’t at all times signal since it could actually sign that the receiver they’re masking is making catches on them.
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Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports activities had Richardson in his newest mock draft going to the Seattle Seahawks with the second choose within the fourth spherical, one choice forward of the Patriots.
But when the Seahawks move on him, maybe the Patriots shall be able to pounce.
