During a recent meeting in Indianapolis, McMillan shared that he had a “good” conversation with the Patriots management. As expected, the team is exploring their options among the wide receivers in this year’s draft, particularly the standout names. Although McMillan skipped the combine, his measurements lined up closely with those of other top prospects, enhancing the comparison.
McMillan could potentially be New England’s first-round pick, but opinions about him and the overall talent in this draft class are mixed. Many believe it’s more likely the Patriots might select a wide receiver later, perhaps in the second to fourth rounds. There’s also a strong group of running backs, defensive linemen, and tight ends, which are considered the highlights of this year’s draft.
With that in mind, let’s dive into some key updates from day three of the NFL Scouting Combine:
Note: RAS stands for Relative Athletic Score, a rating based on athletes’ performance in testing.
Wide Receivers Who Boosted Their Stock:
If the Patriots don’t go for McMillan or a similar talent on the first day, they may take a chance on a wide receiver during the second or third rounds. Every year, there’s usually a surprising pick that turns out to be a fantastic choice, highlighting the potential for a hidden gem.
- Matthew Golden (Texas): Golden became a top contender running a blazing 40-yard dash in 4.29 seconds. While he’s not the biggest at 5’11” and 191 pounds, his speed and efficiency as a route runner make him an exciting option for a starting role in the NFL.
- Jaylin Noel (Iowa State): Noel stood out with a 4.39-second dash and impressive leaps, showcasing his skills as an outstanding route runner. With a high RAS score, he has great potential to make an impact in the league.
- Jayden Higgins (Iowa State): While Higgins needs to refine his route-running, he showed great athleticism with a 4.47-second 40-yard dash. Comparing him to Colts’ Michael Pittman Jr., he could be a strong contender for the Patriots’ 38th pick.
- Elic Ayomanor (Stanford): Running 4.44 seconds in the 40, Ayomanor proved he can perform at a high level. His ability to break free from defenders makes him a valuable asset for any team.
- Tai Felton (Maryland): Felton’s impressive testing recorded a 4.37-second dash. His ability to separate from defenders during routes puts him in the mix as a potential late second-round pick.
- Jimmy Horn Jr. (Colorado): Horn had a standout day with a 4.46-second dash and exceptional explosiveness, making him a notable prospect.
- Kyle Williams (Washington State): Williams displayed speed (4.40 seconds) and the ability to make plays after catching the ball, potentially making him a steal in later rounds.
- Luther Burden (Purdue): Though his production fell last season, Burden still clocked in a 4.41-second dash, and his past performance makes him a potential contender.
- Jalen Royals (Utah State): Royals displayed impressive speed with a 4.42-second dash. His ability to create big plays makes him an interesting option for the Patriots.
- Tre Harris (Ole Miss): Despite a modest 4.54-second time, Harris is known for his crafty route running, which adds to his appeal.
- Savion Williams (TCU): Williams ran a 4.48-second dash, showcasing his versatility as both a running back and receiver.
- Tory Horton Jr. (Colorado State): With a strong performance, Horton remains a standout to watch throughout the draft process.
- Tez Johnson (Oregon): Johnson’s performance raised questions with a surprising 4.51-second dash time compared to his on-field speed.
- Isaiah Bond (Texas): Although he ran a solid 4.39 seconds in the dash, comments about breaking a record added unnecessary pressure.
- Ricky White (UNLV): White’s combine performance fell short, affecting his draft stock due to his slower speed.
Notable players who didn’t participate in testing: Tet McMillan (Arizona), Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State), Jack Bech (TCU), Xavier Restrepo (Miami).
Running Back Class Insights:
The Patriots might explore a deep running back class, but they are unlikely to draft one with their early picks. Coach Mike Vrabel expressed confidence in Rhamondre Stevenson after a less-than-stellar season, pointing out that team performance impacts individual stats.
Here are some running backs who made a mark during testing:
- TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State): Henderson showed elite speed, running a 4.45-second dash, positioning him well for the second round.
- Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State): With great athleticism and explosive playmaking abilities, Judkins could also be off the board by the second round.
- Trevor Etienne: The younger brother of Travis Etienne, Trevor displayed skills worth noting and could be picked up in the fourth round.
- D.J. Giddens (Kansas State): Giddens’ combination of speed and elusiveness marks him as a potential starter at the next level.
- Donovan Edwards (Michigan): Edwards showed incredible talent with a solid RAS score, making him a good value pick in the mid-rounds.
- Receiving Backs to Watch: Options like Brashard Smith and Bhayshul Tuten stand out for their skills as pass catchers. Both could fulfill roles similar to former Patriots stars.
