New England Patriots Host SEC Cornerback For Top-30 Visit

The New England Patriots are hosting Mississippi State cornerback Decamerion Richardson for a pre-draft visit at Gillette Stadium.

Sep 10, 2022; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs cornerback Decamerion Richardson (3) / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

FOXBORO — As the eyes of New England Patriots fans continue to be fixed on upgrading high-profile positions on offense, the team is wisely placing some focus on upgrading their defensive backfield, as well. 

The Patriots, per ESPN, are hosting Mississippi State cornerback Decamerion Richardson on a top-30 visit at Gillette Stadium on Monday. 

Throughout his college tenure, Richardson served as one of the Bulldogs’ most versatile players in both the game’s second and third phases. He played in 45 games for the Bulldogs, recording 177 tackles (two for a loss), 10 passes defensed, one sack and one fumble recovery. The Cullen, Louisiana native played 1,770 career snaps, primarily lined-up along the perimeter. He also logged 354 snaps on various special teams units. 

Sep 16, 2023; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State cornerback Decamerion Richardson (3) defends LSU Tigers wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) / Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

Richardson is entering the upcoming draft as a projected Day 3 selection. At his best, he offers a multi-faceted skill set. In addition to his 6-2. 188-pound frame, he showcased his agility and speed during last month’s NFL Scouting Combine by running a 4.34 40-yard dash. Richardson led all cornerbacks in the SEC in tackles as both a junior and a senior. 

While much of the buzz surrounding their Draft plans has centered around the quarterback position, New England must also plan on addressing its defensive backfield in the mid-to-late rounds. The Pats’ cornerbacks group sustained its share of injury woes in 2023, most notably losing rookie Christian Gonzalez to a torn labrum in Week 3. The No. 17 overall pick had earned 17 total tackles, three passes-defensed, one interception and a sack, while being credited with allowing only 11 catches on 20 targets for 124 yards and zero touchdowns. To help mitigate the loss, the Patriots reacquired veteran corner J.C. Jackson. However, Jackson had his share of both on-an-off field difficulties and was placed on the Non-Football Illness (NFI) list in late December. 

Amid their difficulties in the secondary, cornerback Myles Bryant emerged as a reliable contributor and occasional playmaker from both the slot and the perimeter — a performance which earned him a free-agent contract with the Houston Texans last month. Veteran Jonathan Jones fought through leg injuries for much of the season, yet still compiled 40 solo tackles and seven passes-defensed. 

Should the Patriots select Richardson, he would join Gonzalez, Alex Austin, Shaun Wade, Jonathan Jones, Marcus Jones and Isaiah Bolden under contract at the position heading into 2024.