An Ivy Leaguer cracks the Patriots’ first class under Wolf and fills a long-term need. Amegadjie is a developmental offensive tackle prospect who first played football midway through high school. He’s regarded as a powerful, athletic player with ideal size, long arms and loads of potential.
Senior Bowl executive directorJim Nagy, an ex-Patriots scout, rated Amegadjie as the top small-school offensive tackle prospect in the country last September. Amegadjie’s senior season was cut short by injury, which also prevented him from participating in all-star games. However, he did receive an invite to the combine, when he will be able to demonstrate his football IQ during interviews as he continues to recover in time for Yale’s Pro Day in April.
4th round
TE Cade Stover, Ohio State
Ht./Wt.: 6-4, 251
Ohio State tight end Cade Stover (8) in action during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in College Park, Md. Ohio State won 43-30. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
An All-Big Ten first-team selection, Stover boasts prototypical size and above-average receiving skills for the position. He played in-line and in space at Ohio State, where he developed into a tough, willing blocker. Stover’s skill set is more well-rounded than it is built around a single elite trait, though there may be more potential here than meets the eye.
Until 2022, he played tight end and defense for the Buckeyes. Given time to focus solely on one position, Stover could develop into a reliable starter at the next level. If so, the Patriots should welcome him with open arms, considering they have zero tight ends under contract heading into free agency.
5th round
CB Dwight McGlothern, Arkansas
Ht./Wt.: 6-2, 188
The second-highest graded cornerback at Pro Football Focus last season, McGlothern is a long, physical ballhawk. After transferring from LSU in 2022, he recorded seven interceptions, three forced fumbles and 16 pass deflections the past two years combined at Arkansas. According to PFF, McGlothern missed just a single tackle in 2023, when he allowed a passer rating of 51.2 when targeted.
The downsides? He’s lean, may not wow scouts with his speed or quickness. But for an SEC player with that type of production, McGlothern makes for a worthy Day 3 pick.
6th round
RB Dillon Johnson, Washington
Ht./Wt.: 6-0, 218
Washington running back Dillon Johnson (7) plays against Texas during the Sugar Bowl CFP NCAA semifinal college football game, Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Rhamondre Stevenson is headed into a contract year with plenty of unproven depth behind him, so expect the Patriots to address running back sometime during the draft.
In Johnson, they find an all-around back who averaged 5.1 yards per carry last season. He can find holes running behind gap schemes or zone-blocked runs. While not elusive in open space, Johnson caught 24 of 25 targets as a receiver and could find his way onto a roster as a backup running back with some special teams value.
7th round
DL Evan Anderson, Florida Atlantic
Ht./Wt.: 6-3, 326
One of the largest defenders in this year’s class, Anderson fills a quiet need for the Patriots after the released 34-year-old defensive tackle Lawrence Guy last week. Anderson was a team captain at FAU, where he also registered 3.5 sacks. He projects to have an early-down, run-stuffing role in the NFL.
Free-agent projections
After consulting with two front-office executives, the Herald formulated contract projections for the Patriots’ top four free agents.
NFL free agency will officially open at noon on Monday, March 11, with the start of the league’s “legal tampering” period.
New York Jets running back Breece Hall stiff-arms New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger during the second quarter of a game at Gillette Stadium. (Nancy Lane/Boston Herald)
S Kyle Dugger: 3 years, $40 million
Dugger recently switched representation from powerhouse agency Athletes First to veteran agent Andy Simms. Simms, from 1 of 1 agency, has a history of representing Patriots defensive backs who re-signed with the team: Devin McCourty, Jonathan Jones, Jason McCourty and Duron Harmon. Dugger was in the team facility this week, per sources, who say he was working out and connecting with the team’s new leadership.
Bottom line: the odds of Dugger staying in New England appear to be increasing, though he will command a sizable contract wherever he lands next month. Related: Harmon was the last Patriots top-100 draft pick to sign a second contract with the team back in 2017. That ugly history may motivate the Patriots, who will see one of their best players land a hefty, multi-year deal at home or elsewhere next month.
OL Mike Onwenu: 4 years, $62 million
ESPN reported last month the Patriots “basically” know Onwenu will not re-sign. He’s expected to have a strong market, now playing a premium position (right tackle) that doubles as an area of need for several teams. Onwenu can also play both guard spots.
The Pats could keep him via the franchise tag — and they do have cash to burn — but the $20.98 tag for offensive linemen feels steep. Look at a long-term deal for Onwenu that lands in the neighborhood of what the top offensive tackles landed last year in free agency.
WR Kendrick Bourne: 3 years, $23 million
New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne races away from Buffalo Bills linebacker Dorian Williams during the second quarter of a home victory over the Bills. (Nancy Lane/Boston Herald)
Bourne is in a tricky spot. The 28-year-old receiver tore his ACL just four months ago, but is well ahead of schedule in his recovery, according to a source. Still, given his age and the fact he hasn’t enjoyed a healthy, productive season since 2021, Bourne will have a hard time commanding the deal he wants.
At this stage of his career, Bourne should seek long-term security, which he finds here at the expense of top dollar. Both executives suggested an average annual value around $7 million, but Bourne lands some incentives with this contract that takes the total value closer to $8 million per year.
OLB Josh Uche: 1 year, $9 million
The 25-year-old pass rusher failed to build on a breakout 2022 campaign, tallying three sacks and 15 tackles in as many games last year. Uche has played more than 33% of the Patriots’ defensive snaps in only one of his four career seasons. Yet, he may simply be miscast in New England.