Patriots Combine Preview: 3 to Watch

The New England Patriots will be scouting to fill several positions of need at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

The collective eyes of the New England Patriots 'powers that be' are focused on Indiana. 

Starting Tuesday, Feb. 28, and running through Sunday, Mar. 5, hundreds of collegiate prospects will showcase their talents during the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine.

The week-long event, held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis allows prospects to participate in on-field drills in front of NFL evaluators. Additionally, prospects have the opportunity to interview with NFL teams.

Though many players are expected to garner some attention during the week’s events, here are three positions that might be of great interest to Patriots scouts at the Combine, along with a player to watch heading to the week’s workouts.

Offensive Line

Skill positions may get the headlines, but battles are often won in the trenches. Protecting Mac Jones is of the utmost importance for New England’s offensive success. The team may have its question marks heading into 2023. Starting right tackle Isaiah Wynn is headed for free agency, while several depth options such as swing tackle Yodny Cajuste and center James Ferentz may be leaving Foxboro, as well. 

As a result, New England may look to infuse some youth into the line for 2022 and beyond.

Player to Watch: Peter Skoronski, LT, Northwestern

Simply put, offensive tackle is the team’s most pressing need, and Skoronski is a pro-level talent set to make an immediate impact on the Pats' struggling offensive line. The Northwestern product’s fundamentals and football IQ are as sound as any of his peers. In fact, they may be better than the majority of starting tackles in the NFL. 

Skoronski demonstrates versatility in his pass sets which allows him to control the approach of opposing defenders. He has the size (6-4, 294) and strength to take on vertical sets while showing enough speed to position himself in blocking for the run.

Wide Receiver

New England’s wide receivers were among the most maligned positional groupings on the team last year. However, the unit performed well enough to provide hope for the position heading into 2023. Soon-to-be free-agent Jakobi Meyers led all receivers in yards with 804 and six touchdowns. 

DeVante Parker, in his first season with New England, caught 47 passes, three of which went for scores. Tyquan Thornton has the ability to be a vertical threat and should improve in his second year with the team. 

The Patriots should be expected to seek additional help at the position and may potentially be in the market to invest early-round draft capital. 

Player to Watch: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State

Despite the numerous (and well-deserved) laurels being laid at the feet of USC's Jordan Addison and TCU's Quentin Johnston, Smith-Njigba may be the best logistical fit within Bill O'Brien's offense. He is an exceptional route-runner with a notable knack to gain separation from his defenders. 

The ex-Buckeye has tremendous body control, which can be an effective weapon when being forced to change direction on difficult angles. While several projections have him off the board by pick 14, New England may find Smith-Njigba too enticing to bypass, if he is still available. Pats scouts will be watching him closely. 

Cornerback

New England’s secondary had to endure a number of injuries to key players throughout the year, especially at cornerback. With Jalen Mills having missed seven games due to a groin injury, impending free agent Jonathan Jones inherited the duties as the team’s top perimeter corner. 

The former slot specialist tied for the team lead in interceptions (alongside safety Devin McCourty) with four. Rookie cornerbacks Jack Jones and Marcus Jones showed enough prowess to indicate a bright future at the position, each grabbing a pair of interceptions respectively. Myles Bryant played in all 17 games, taking 61 percent of the Pats' defensive snaps, primarily out of the slot. 

With Jones' future uncertain, the Pats are likely to take a strong look at the position in the coming days. 

Player to Watch: Devon Witherspoon, Illinois

Despite several analysts' infatuation with Oregon's Christian Gonzalez -- and. justifiably so -- Witherspoon may actually be the better fit for New England's glaring need for toughness at the catch point. Additionally, his ability to seek the ball in man coverage would allow him to thrive in Bill Belichick's defensive sets. 

Though he is able to perform adequately in the zone, Witherspoon is at his best in man coverage. He plays the ball as well as any pro-level defensive back, while his abilities as a tackler set him apart from his peers. Like Smith-Njigba, Witherspoon is likely to be taken before New England gets their shot at him. However, he would project as an immediate starter in the Patriots' defense. 

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