In what was the most important draft throughout recent franchise history, the New England Patriots 2020 NFL draft class is now set in stone. Many within the sports media, myself included, assumed the Patriots would certainly add not only a quarterback, but also some offensive skill players in this draft, were proven wrong. Despite having a plethora of picks outside of the first round, Bill Belichick and company opted not to spend any of their 10 draft picks on wide receivers or quarterbacks.
Round Two, Pick 37: Safety, Kyle Dugger, Lenoir-Rhyne (6-foot-1, 217 pounds)
Round Two, Pick 60: EDGE, Josh Uche, Michigan (6-foot-1, 245)
Round Three, Pick 87: EDGE, Anfernee Jennings, Alabama (6-foot-2, 256 pounds)
Round Three, Pick 91: Tight End, Devin Asiasi, UCLA (6-foot-3, 257 pounds)
Round Three, Pick 101: Tight End, Dalton Keene, Virginia Tech (6-foot-4, 253 pounds)
Round Five, Pick 159: Kicker, Justin Rohrwasser, Marshall (6-foot-3, 230 pounds)
Round Five, Pick 182: Guard, Michael Onwenu, Michigan (6-foot-3, 344 pounds)
Round Six, Pick 195: Offensive Tackle, Justin Herron, Wake Forest (6-foot-4, 308 pounds)
Round Six, Pick 204: Linebacker, Cassh Maluia, Wyoming (6-foot, 248 pounds)
Round Seven, Pick 230: Center, Dustin Woodard, Memphis (6-foot-2, 285 pounds)
New England Patriots 2020 NFL Draft Grade: B+
New England Patriots 2020 NFL Draft Review
Highest Ceiling: Kyle Dugger
Despite playing his college football for Division-II Lenoir-Rhyne, Dugger has all of the physical tools needed to play at the NFL level. Furthermore, having tested extremely well at the combine along with playing well at the Senior Bowl, Dugger was on the radar a lot of teams. Dugger thrives when playing close to the line of scrimmage and is a violent tackler when firing up to meet the ball carrier. Additionally, Dugger is solid in coverage as he not only has the athletic ability and ball skills to play over the top within a deep zone, but can also play in man coverage where he matches up against tight ends as well as the slot within sub-package defenses. Furthermore, Dugger offers good value on special teams as he has had a lot of experience with returning both punts and kickoffs throughout his collegiate career. This is a quintessential Belichick pick as the only uncertainty with Dugger is whether or not he can make the transition from Division-II to the NFL.
The Head-Scratcher: Devin Asiasi
The head scratching part of this pick has little to do with Asiasi as a player or even taking a tight end at this spot, but everything to do with how Asiasi feels like a reach in the third round. While Asiasi is a solid prospect who projects nicely as a traditional in-line tight end capable of handling blocking and receiving duties, he struggles to set himself apart from other prospects. The Patriots took Asiasi ahead of other, better passing threat, tight ends such as Adam Trautman, Harrison Bryant, and Brycen Hopkins. Moreover, many projected Asiasi as a middle fourth to late fifth round selection and you can be sure fans will be keeping a close eye on Asiasi’s development in comparison to the other tight ends who were taken after him.
The Surprise: Dalton Keene
This pick was a rather pleasant surprise for Patriots fans as when New England again traded up in the third round to select Keene, few thought they would double dip at tight end. However, fans should be glad they did as Keene has a very high ceiling within the creative offense of Josh McDaniels. Despite not putting up huge numbers in college, Keene has the smarts, athleticism, and chiseled build of a solid Patriots tight end. Keene has the ability to aline almost anywhere within an offense and I would expect New England to use him within the slot, in-line, and even at fullback during certain scenarios. Furthermore, Keene and Asiasi were roommates at the NFL combine and the Patriots are certainly hoping the two can further develop their chemistry as their games compliment each other extremely well.
The Steal: Anfernee Jennings
Jennings checks off a lot of boxes for what New England looks for in their linebackers. Many have been projecting Jennings to the Patriots throughout the draft process and their wish has been granted. Despite not possessing eye popping athleticism for the position, Jennings is fundamentally sound with both his pass rushing and edge setting technique. Additionally, Jennings has been described as a team first player who cares little about personal statistics in favor of simply fulfilling his role within the defense. While Jennings frequently played on the edge for Alabama, he has the skill set and mental capacity to play at almost any linebacker position for New England. Moreover, given how well Jennings takes coaching, I would not be at all surprised to see him receive extensive playing time as a rookie.
Most Likely to Pop in Training Camp: Josh Uche
Uche was a very interesting pick for New England as he somewhat breaks the mold for what the Patriots traditionally look for in their second round linebackers. Uche excels as an edge pass rusher and has all of the burst, body control, and hand usage to succeed at the NFL level. However, Uche needs work when defending the run along with setting the edge of a defense. Look for Uche to be this season’s version of Chase Winovich as Uche brings a high motor and nice value as a situational pass rusher within sub-packages.
The Rest
After finding success in last year’s fifth round with punter, Jake Bailey, the Patriots again will try and find success with Rohrwasser. While Rohrwasser’s off the field and locker room activities will be something to closely monitor throughout this season due to his Three Percenter tattoo, he offers good upside as New England’s next kicker. Rohrwasser’s leg has all the strength of an NFL kicker and he seemingly has the confidence teams are looking for in a kicker who can deal with high pressure situations.
Onwenu is a mountain of a man with an impressive frame which packs strength as well as power within the interior of an offensive line. Given his size, Onwenu rarely gives up bull rushes to would-be pass rushers and when tasked with moving close defenders in the run game, Onwenu bulldozes opponents. Although, that same size which gives him eye popping power, prevents him from being extremely effective when playing in space on screens and lateral, outside zone runs. Onwenu’s athleticism could likely improve slightly, but he will never be considered a mobile blocker. However, within a power run scheme, Onwenu can certainly handle the role of being an interior bulldozer.
Herron was a four-year starter throughout his collegiate career and excels in the exact opposite areas of Onwenu. Despite having NFL caliber size, Herron lacks much of the functional strength needed to effectively impact the run game. Although, as a pass protector, Herron’s athleticism, quickness, and pass set fundamentals offer enough of an upside for him to possibly develop into a quality NFL backup.
Maluia plays with a similar style to that of Elandon Roberts when he was first drafted. Although Maluia is about 20 pounds heavier, both players excell at stopping the run in short areas where their initial quickness and ability to shed blocks is on display. Maluia will likely always struggle when tasked to cover at the next level, but he can add some value to early down and goal line run defense.
Woodard is just the second player Belichick has ever drafted from Memphis outside of former kicker, Stephen Gostkowski. Woodard will need to put on weight if he hopes to stick around at the NFL level, but the Patriots were willing to take a late round chance on a player who shares some similarities to current center, David Andrews. Like Woodard, Andrews was also an undersized center when New England signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2015. While Woodard has a journey in front of him before he can even be considered close to Andrews as a player, New England certainly likes the smaller, more athletic centers.
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