Round Prediction: Round 2, NFL Potential: Complementary Playmaker
Sanders is a flex tight end who seams down the middle of the field, is savvy enough to work open in zone coverage, and averaged a high-end YAC value of 7.7 YAC last season. In a bootleg/play-action focused scheme, Sanders could be the Patriots’ version of David Njoku, exploding beyond the second level of the seam, outrunning defenders on crossers, and gaining tons of yards on passes into the flat. It’s easy to see it doing.
WR Jarrin Polk, Washington – Polk doesn’t have the downfield speed the Patriots covet, but he’s incredibly tough with good ball skills and good early explosiveness from the line.
OT Roger Rosengarten, Washington – Rosengarten protected the blind side of Michael Penix on the right side of Washington’s offensive line. He’s a great fit for the zone scheme the Pats are transitioning to under Van Pelt. He could be the top OT on Day 2.
WR Jalen McMillan, Washington – I’ve been using the same comparison for McMillan all draft season. Jacobi Meyers with 4.47 speed. McMillan is great at the top of the route.
EDGE Austin Booker, Kansas – Booker has a very low number of career snaps at 505, but his pass rush toolbox is deep and has great fluidity to use effective inside counters.
CB Cam Hart, Notre Dame – The Patriots could use another big corner who can match up on the outside, and Hurts fits that mold as a cover talent for a super-physical press man.
TE Ben Sinnott, Kansas State – Synnott has a solid collegiate track record and attractive athleticism for the position (RAS 9.73). The Kansas product is a moveable chess piece and an effective seam runner.
OT Blake Fisher, Notre Dame – Fisher is a young ball of clay with fascinating tools to develop. Patriots O-line coach Scott Peters worked closely with Fisher at his pro day.
WR Javon Baker, UCF – Baker is a late bloomer after transferring from Alabama, but is a smooth route runner with spectacular route breaks and an excellent ability to track balls over his shoulder.
WR Devontez Walker, North Carolina State – The Patriots acquired his college quarterback. Will they pair Maye with a college teammate who is a good deep threat? Walker has the X receiver skill set the Pats need.
