By Jordan Long
he New England Patriots are attending to the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana, which starts today. This will give coaches a chance to evaluate talent in this year’s NFL draft. The Patriots, like every other team, have needs to fill.
The Patriots should be looking for a running back. Dion Lewis and Rex Burkhead are free agents leaving James White and Mike Gillislee in the backfield. Of course they could draft one, in particular Sony Michel out of the University of Georgia Bulldogs.
Michel spent 4 years with the Bulldogs rushing for 3,613 yards and an average of 6.1 yards per rush. He was able to score 33 touchdowns on the ground. He is not only a rusher but a pass catcher. Michel would be a threat to catch the football in the open field. He had 621 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns. Michel fits in with the Patriots.
Defensive end is one they must draft since they couldn’t bring any pressure on Nick Foles during the Super Bowl. Duke Ejiofor could be their answer out of Wake Forest. In 38 games for Wake Forest he sacked the quarterback 24 times. His size at 6 foot 4 inches and 275 pounds translates to the NFL game. NFL offensive linemen must figure out a way to contain him. If not, Ejiofor will make his presence felt.
The Patriots could also use a cornerback. One to keep in eye on throughout the Combine is Darius Phillips out of Western Michigan. During his time at Western Michigan he had 127 tackles. Phillips rarely missed bringing a wide receiver down to the ground. Quarterbacks had to be careful throwing it his way because it would be intercepted with a total of 12.
These are just a few of the athletes New England could draft. The Combine gives them an opportunity to see what college football players can do in drills. Once that is over, the NFL draft is on April 26 and ends April 28. Some of these names might end up being drafted by the Patriots.
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