Cantrell and Quinn are the first two mentioned. But then again Orlando Brown is third, but it's pretty good analysis of Cantrell and Quinn. Would be nice to see the Patriots actually draft some White receivers instead of always waiting until they've been grossly underused by other teams for several years (or in the case of Edelman put him through a long racial apprenticeship).
Six offensive prospects that should be on the Patriots' radar after the NFL combine
After notable performances this weekend in Indianapolis, these six players project as solid additions to an already potent offense
By
soxpatsceltics@tianrossi Mar 6, 2018, 8:00am EST
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Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
This weekend was one of the most anticipated events of the
NFL Draft process. The Combine, where hundreds of prospects went through physical and mental tests as they try to become the next starts in the NFL. I want to preface this piece with the disclaimer that becoming obsessed with raw combine numbers is a poor way of scouting. Their athleticism is just a piece of the puzzle that should be combined with scouting their tape and their interviews. But performances at the combine can show how a player could or could not excel at the next level.
Here are six offensive players that I changed my view on after the combine.
Dylan Cantrell, WR Texas Tech
Going into the combine, the knock on Cantrell was that he was a poor raw athlete that lacks the ability to get separation against man coverage. However, his measurables at the combine told a completely different story. Outside of his 40 time, he dominated every event. Cantrell ran a blistering 6.56 second 3 cone and aced every short distance quickness test. He is also widely thought of as one of the best, if not the best blocking wide receiver in the draft because of his size and physicality, and his performance at the bench press backed that up. Overall, Cantrell scored the
highest SPARQ of all of the combine WRs, 97th percentile overall.
Cantrell will get some
Cooper Kupp,
Jeff Janis and
Chris Hogan comparisons as the draft approaches. Although Cantrell plays in an air raid offense, he’s caught passes from two different quarterbacks that should make NFL rosters in Patrick Mahomes and Nic Shimonek. And of course there can’t be a complete Cantrell profile without mentioning the success the
Patriotshave had with Texas Tech WRs in the past.
Wes Welker and
Danny Amendola are both lofty expectations for Cantrell, but if he’s really this good of an athlete, he should have a chance to get there.
Cantrell did not formally meet with the Patriots during the combine but his teammate Keke Coutee did. The Patriots will likely see more of him at Texas Tech’s pro day later this month.
Where I would draft Cantrell: Rounds 4-5
Trey Quinn, Slot WR SMU
Trey Quinn is a pro’s pro. Does stuff the right way and is a first in, last out kind of guy. Deceptive athleticism and could do some damage in the slot.
More seriously, Quinn projects as a possible replacement for Danny Amendola, who enters unrestricted free agency this year. Playing alongside future 1st rounder Courtland Sutton, Quinn played only 1 year at SMU after transferring from LSU after his sophomore year. But he made the most out of his time there, catching 114 balls in just 13 games. In one 3 game stretch in the middle of the season, he had 49 receptions for 458 yards and 3 touchdowns. It’s so stereotypical, but “deceptive athleticism” really does fit Quinn.
According to
David Helman, the Patriots did have a formal meeting with Quinn at the combine. And Quinn impressed during his workouts this weekend. He graded out below average for raw size and athleticism (as expected) but posted above average marks in all short distance quickness tests. In addition, his hand size stands out as an outlier when compared to the rest of his athletic profile. As a guy that will have to excel in the slot and make contested catches to succeed in the NFL, having big hands will help him avoid drops. To illustrate how big of an outlier his hand size is, Quinn’s 10 1/8 inch hands are the same size as rocket arm
Josh Allen, the biggest among the quarterbacks. Quinn’s stock, which was previously 7th/Priority FA definitely is pointing up.
Where I would draft Quinn: Rounds 5-7
full article:
https://www.patspulpit.com/2018/3/6...england-patriots-radar-2018-nfl-combine-draft