Patriots Senior Bowl Prospects: 3 to Watch on Defense
As more than 100 prospects prepare to showcase their talents 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile on Saturday, the New England Patriots will be scouting potential selections in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Among the Pats scouting contingent in attendance for the three-day practice window earlier this week were director of player personnel Matt Groh, college scouting director Camren Williams, and senior personnel advisor Patrick Stewart. Patriots wide receivers coach Troy Brown was also chosen to serve as offensive coordinator for the American team.
Though many offensive players have garnered their share of attention during the week’s events, the Pats will make a concerted effort to keep their eyes on some defensive standouts, as well. Despite their 4-13 finish, the Patriots' defense played at a surprisingly high level in 2023. New England concluded the season ranked No. 7 in overall defense in the NFL and No. 4 in run defense, allowing only 93.2 rushing yards per game, along with 3.3 yards per rush.
Accordingly, here are three prospective Patriots that might raise an eyebrow for team scouts throughout the week.
Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell on Day 1 of 2024 Senior Bowl practices
Cred: The Blade
Javon Bullard, S, Georgia
With saftey Kyle Dugger slated to enter unrestricted free agency at the start of the NFL year, the Patriots may find themselves in need of a versatile presence in their defensive backfield. Bullard earned 56 tackles, two interceptions and five passes broken up in 2023 for the Georgia Bulldogs — despite battling through an ankle injury suffered in Sept. 2023. The 5-11, 180-pound hybrid defensive back is a tough, physical player, with great instincts and field awareness. While he may need to add some bulk to an admittedly thin frame to be effective in the NFL, Bullard’s standout practice performances this week earned him the honor of being selected “top deep safety,” as voted by his peers.
Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
While Mitchell may be a bit beyond the Patriots reach (with many recent projections touting him as a late Day 1 selection,) Mitchell is one of the most impressive cornerback prospects in his class. In 2023, he totaled 41 tackles, one interception and 18 passes-defensed. Just one year earlier, he was one of college football’s most-successful ball hawks, logging 42 tackles, five interceptions and 19 passes-defensed. Throughout the week, Mitchell has routinely demonstrated both speed and body control to stay in stride with receivers. He also has the physicality to close off the catch space, which will serve him well at the pro level. Considering their need of an aggressive presence on the perimeter, New England may spend some extra time monitoring Mitchell’s standing on Draft weekend.
DeWayne Carter, DT, Duke
Known for his prowess in defending the run, Carter projects as a 3-tech defensive lineman. Throughout his four years with the Blue Devils, he totaled 87 tackles — 21.5 of which were for a loss — and 11 sacks. At his best, Carter is a tough player, with the size (6-3, 305) to sustain the double team. As a fifth year senior, he logged a total of 548 snaps in 12 games for the Blue Devils in 2023. Carter earned 19 tackles, 10 assists, and 15 stops. As a pass rusher, he tallied 22 total pressures, which included 17 quarterback hurries, 3 quarterback hits, and two sacks on the season. While he is still a developmental project in pas defense, Carter could see the field as a run defender in a reserve role for the Pats, if selected.
The 2024 Senior Bowl is set for kickoff at 1 p.m. on Sat from Hancock Whitney Stadium.
