Round 3, Compensatory Pick: Nick Coe, Defensive Line, Auburn
The Patriots love big, heavy-handed defensive linemen, who understand their role. Trey Flowers was paramount to the success of the New England Patriots defense prior to the 2019 season, but they lost him to free agency. Nick Coe, the massive 6’5″ and 290-pound defensive linemen, has the look and skill that the Patriots covet.
In his three seasons at Auburn, not only did Coe shine as a run defender, but he also showcased the ability to pressure the quarterback, notching nine sacks. But eye-popping statistics aren’t key for Patriots’ defensive linemen, as playing the scheme reigns precedence. Coe offers position versatility, as he can play anywhere along the defensive line. He plays with violent hands and reach, which allow him to set the edge consistently.
Coe could blossom as a rotational piece early in his career, yet eventually develop into a quality starter.
Round 4, Pick #115: Albert Okwuegbunam, Tight End, Missouri
I wasn’t kidding when I said the Patriots are desperate at the tight end position. Their offense was at its best when they had a young duo of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. They try to recreate this dynamic by double-dipping on the position in the 2020 NFL Draft.
There was a time when Albert Okwuegbunam was widely considered a top-20 draft pick. Injuries and inconsistent play have hurt his draft stock, but he still oozes potential. He is a big-bodied player who possesses exceptional ball skills. Also, he is a willing and able blocker. The major knock on Okwuegbunam is that he doesn’t consistently play at a high level, but in the right environment, that could change.
This is the ultimate risk/reward type of draft selection, but if New England leaves the 2020 NFL Draft with Cole Kmet and Albert Okwuegbunam, they have added a new dimension to their offense.
Round 6, Pick 176: Alohi Gilman, Safety, Notre Dame
Patrick Chung has been the heart and soul of the Patriots defense for quite some time. It might not be this year, but there will be a time when the Patriots turn the page on Chung, and Alohi Gilman would be the perfect replacement. Gilman is the ultimate “box” safety, as he is gifted at play diagnosis and is a marvelous tackling machine. He is a smart, heady football player, which seems like a prerequisite for becoming a member of the New England Patriots.
Learning behind the likes of Patrick Chung would be a great opportunity for Gilman. In the meantime, he could be a key contributor on special teams.
Round 6, Pick 185: Bravvion Roy, Defensive Tackle, Baylor
A big, strong nose guard who possesses the ability to eat blockers is key to the Patriots’ defense. Last season, that role was filled by Danny Shelton, but Shelton is a free agent who might find himself more money on the open market, which would leave a big hole in the middle of the defense.
Roy is massive, consistently eating double teams, which allowed his teammate James Lynch to have a banner year in 2019. He is extremely powerful, and his athleticism will surprise you. Selecting one of the better nose tackles in the 6th round is tremendous value for the Patriots.
Round 6, Compensatory Pick: Josiah Scott, Cornerback, Michigan State
At this point in the draft, teams are searching for quality depth and solid developmental players. Currently, the Patriots have the best cornerback on the planet in Stephon Gilmore, but they could use an injection of youth.
Josiah Scott has plus ball skills, plays with tremendous awareness, and isn’t afraid to tackle. During his three seasons at Michigan State, Scott had seven interceptions and 25 passes defended.
He might not see the field much as a rookie, but he has the skills and demeanor to be a player in the NFL. Is there a better landing spot for a defensive back than the New England Patriots?
Round 6, Compensatory Pick: Jack Driscoll, Offensive Tackle, Auburn
While he doesn’t have great athleticism, isn’t super strong, and needs work on his technique, Auburn offensive tackle Jack Driscoll still finds a way to be a reliable right tackle. Where Driscoll excels is with his hand placement and mean streak as a run blocker.
I don’t see a starting quality player with Driscoll. However, I see a great depth piece and a potential swing tackle.
Round 7, Pick 208: Trevis Gipson, Defensive Line, Tulsa
Trevis Gipson wasn’t on my radar until I listened to the “Three Yards Per Carry” podcast and heard Chris Kauffman gushing about him. As Kauffman points out, Gipson is way more explosive than he is given credit.
Gipson plays with heavy hands and is stout when it comes to setting the edge. He plays with good power, and his versatility along the defensive front is attractive. His look and the way he plays the game screams New England Patriots.
Round 7, Pick 213: Omar Bayless, Wide Receiver, Arkansas State
The Patriots need more from the wide receiver position that they got in 2019. Outside of Julian Edelman, the group was pretty bad. Rookie N’Keal Harry flashed some dominance, but overall it was a disappointing season for the rookie. New England traded a 2nd round pick for Mohamed Sanu, but for whatever reason, Sanu couldn’t find a way to be productive in the Patriots’ offense.
If you’re looking for size at the wide receiver position, Omar Bayless has that, standing nearly 6’4″ tall. In 2019, Bayless put up a mind-blowing 1,653 receiving yards, 93 receptions, and 17 touchdowns. He was one of the most productive receivers in all of college football. There will be some questions surrounding Bayless, such as, “Is he a one-year wonder” and whether the level of competition he faced was good, but he is a project that could pay huge dividends.