NFL Scouting Combine Breakdown: 5 Patriots Targets
The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine is over a week away from kicking off in Indianapolis, but the New England Patriots expect to be one of the busiest teams throughout the week.
With hundreds of potential future stars of the league converging on the Hoosier State, it's a golden opportunity for the organization to get further conversations going between the team and their future draft picks.
Nov 18, 2023; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Heisman Trophy candidate LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) warms up before their game against the Georgia State Panthers at Tiger Stadium.
Credit: Matthew Dobbins-USA TODAY Sports
Here are five potential participants in Indy that the Pats should be focusing on next week.
Jayden Daniels
Almost every mock draft has Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels going to New England with the third overall pick. The LSU product has a dual-threat skillset that fits well in the modern game, but a strong combine could also help the Patriots know how far he has to go to future stardom.
They may need an additional quarterback to help develop the young signal-caller, but Daniels seems like a lock to go third in April's Draft.
Christian Haynes
Most of the Patriots' top needs this year center around the offensive side of the ball. Getting better interior blockers is going to be as important as adding to the skill room.
Many scouts love what Haynes brings to the table as a guard out of UCONN. He stood out in the Senior Bowl and should be in line for another solid outing in Indy. If that happens, the potential mid-round pick could shoot up draft boards even further than he already has.
Ja'Lynn Polk
New England needs playmakers on offense. They'll certainly look to add a receiver to one of the top three picks they own. Polk may not be one of the top receiver prospects of the group, but he's got a solid blend of size and speed that could fit nicely with newly hired offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt.
Ladd McConkey
Speaking of receivers, no team in recent memory has had more success from small slot receivers than New England.
McConkey is potentially the next iteration of Wes Welker and Julian Edelman. After a solid Senior Bowl, it's fair to think that a better Combine workout could get him into the second round.
Tyler Guyton
Projects along the offensive line aren't always smart picks with high second-round selections, but Guyton's potential could be exactly what Van Pelt is looking for in his tackles.
The size and athleticism Guyton possesses remind a lot of people of another Oklahoma tackle (Lane Johnson) and that could be enough for him to be a top player selected for his position. While many have him as a first-round lock, with how deep the draft class is at tackle, quarterback, and receiver, it shouldn't surprise anyone if he falls.
