New England Patriots Host Local Pro Day: 3 Prospects to Watch

The New England Patriots will host several NFL Draft hopefuls with ties to the region for local pro day workouts at Gillette Stadium

Holy Cross's Jalen Coker hauls in a pass for a first down over Merrimack's Darion McKenzie / Photo/Alan Arsenault / USA TODAY NETWORK

With the NFL Draft set to begin in three weeks, the New England Patriots continue to scout potential targets, both as Day 3 selections and priority free agents. 

The Pats, on Thursday, will host approximately 10 prospects for their local pro day at Gillette Stadium. Though New England’s scouting contingent has already attended such workouts for several of the Draft’s top candidates, those invited to this session are projected as late-round, or undrafted players with ties to New England — either through their hometown or playing their high school or college football in the region. 

While each of the attendees is undoubtedly hoping to catch the eye of the Patriots scouts, here is a look at three players who may be of particular interest to New England during Thursday’s workouts.

URI Rams hosts Maine at Meade Stadium. Rhody S/LB Jarrett Martin (47) / David DelPoio/The Providence Journal /

Jalen Coker, WR, Holy Cross

Coker is perhaps the most-recognizable name on New England’s local pro day guest list. Having played his college football for Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass., the 6-1, 208-pound receiver played primarily along the perimeter. Coker played in 39 games for the Crusaders catching 164 passes, while becoming the program’s all-time leader with 2,715 receiving yards and 31 touchdown catches. He also has one passing touchdown to his credit — a 36-yard scoring strike vs Yale in Sept. 2022. Having previously met with the Patriots during the East-West Shrine Bowl in January, New England will be taking its second look at the potential Day 3 target, who will help to fill their need at ‘X’ receiver. 

Jarrett Martin, DB, Rhode Island 

Since 2020, Martin has served as a hybrid defensive back/linebacker for the Rhody Rams. The 6-3, 220-pound defender finished last season with 34 tackles (two, for loss,) two quarterback hurries and a pair of pass breakups. Martin logged a season-best 10 tackles (one, for loss) in the Ram’s victory over North Carolina A&T in November. 

The Franklin, Mass. native's signature moment came during his redshirt junior campaign in 2022, when he logged a career-best six tackles (1.5, for loss) and a game-winning pick six to help the No. 25-ranked Rams defeat No. 14 Elon — returning the interception 16 yards for the touchdown. Overall, he played a notable role in helping Rhody’s defense hold a formidable Elon offense to a season-low 263 total yards and 20 points under its scoring average.

Kyle Hergel, OL, Boston College 

Having played his college football at nearby Chestnut Hill for the Boston College Eagles, Hergel projects as a potential depth option along the interior of the Pats offensive line. The 6-3, 302-pounder turned in an impressive performance during the Eagles’ pro day, recording a 33-inch vertical jump and 113-inch broad jump. He also showcased his strength by hoisting 30 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press. The Toronto, Ontario native transferred to Boston College for his final collegiate season in 2023 where he started at left guard. He played the two previous seasons at Texas State where he was named All-Sun Belt honorable mention in 2021 and third-team All-Sun Belt in 2022.