Using the New England Patriots' greatest positions of needs as a guide, we're writing a series leading into the NFL draft that highlights three players at each spot who could fit the team's profile in the third-round-and-beyond range. Today, we'll look at offensive tackles.
Aviante Collins (TCU): At 6-foot-41⁄8 and 295 pounds, he tested well at the combine; his 4.81 time in the 40-yard dash was the best among players at the position, which he combined with 34 repetitions on the bench press. The Patriots also might find his versatility appealing, as he took snaps at four different positions along the line. Collins, who graduated from TCU, finished his career at right tackle, but some media analysts believe the left side could be his best fit in the pros. Overall, Collins fits into this category because any tackle the Patriots draft would likely be viewed through a two-year window, with 2017 serving as a redshirt year. The Patriots had success with tackle Marcus Cannon out of TCU (fifth round, 2011), and perhaps they'll go back to the pipeline for Collins.
Julie'n Davenport (Bucknell): A two-time captain who was invited to the Senior Bowl despite playing at a lower level of competition, the 6-foot-63⁄4 and 318-pound Davenport started 44 games at left tackle in his college career. From a traits perspective, his arm length (361⁄2 inches) and hand size (101⁄2 inches) are considered one of his best assets, along with his athleticism, which was reflected in his 7.57 time in the three-cone drill at the combine. Any time a player comes from a lower level of competition, there is a projection involved with how he will fare at the NFL level, so Davenport isn't viewed by media analysts as a prospect likely to step in immediately.
Antonio Garcia (Troy): The 6-foot-61⁄4, 302-pound Garcia, who graduated from Troy, plays light on his feet and media analysts view him to have good lateral quickness, which is something the Patriots often look for in developmental left tackles.The fact he is known to play with an edge doesn't hurt either. His 31-inch vertical leap was the best among offensive tackles at the combine. One of the questions teams might have with Garcia is how much weight he can pack on his frame, as he played under 300 pounds at Troy. Similar to Collins and Davenport, he might benefit from a year behind the scenes, but has traits that could be harnessed under line coach Dante Scarnecchia.
Other positions covered: defensive end/outside linebacker, running back