Patriots Combine Targets 2009

Now that the NFL combine is over, I thought I would recap a few players who the Patriots have shown some interest in, had initial conversations with, or in the cases of some players, having shown interest in the Patriots.

Connor Barwin – The DE / OLB / TE from Cincinatti showed he can do everything, running a 4.6 forty, showing great leaping skills, etc, etc.  He is already drawing comparisons to Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel.  That my friends, is a good thing.  With Barwin skyrocketing up draft boards, and the Patriots showing some interest, look out for Barwin at pick #23.

Aaron Kelly – At 6′5, 193 pounds, Aaron Kelley clearly has the size to be a top notch NFL receiver.  That was before he ran a 4.49 40 yard dash, and was 7th in vertical jump.  He also has had some initial conversations with the Patriots.  Kelly could come off the board round 3.

Max Unger – Unger is a guy I really like.  It looks like he can play just about anywhere on the offensive line, center, guard, even tackle.  He is agile, performing well in both the 3-cone shuttle drill and the 20 yard shuttle at the combine.  The Patriots have expressed a strong interest in him, and he could be a nice pick if around at #47.

Vontae Davis – Davis was one of my first draft binkies from this year’s class.  At 5-11, 203 pounds, Davis ranked first among corners in bench press reps at 25.  He was second in the 40 yard dash (4.49), performing well in just about every single drill.  He claimed that he would be estatic to become a Patriot.  If he’s around at 23, that just may happen.

Kraig Urbik – Very big offensive guard that the Patriots have reportedly shown some interest in.  Urbik could possibly make the move to right tackle, although his combine results weren’t fantastic.  Would likely fall somewhere between rounds 4 and 6.

Percy Harvin – The Patriots have had huge interest in Florida wide receiver Percy Harvin to this point, as he has sat and talked to Belichick a lot.  While Harvin would actually be a great pick, I sincerely doubt he would be around at 23.

Nic Harris – If the Patriots are looking for a Rodney Harrison clone, Nic Harris would certainly be the closest thing to that.  At 6-2, 234, Harris has played both safety spots, corner, and middle linebacker.  The Patriots have also had at least some dicussions with him.

William Beatty – The offensive tackle from UConn is rising, and had some preliminary discussions with the Patriots at the combine.  Performed well at the combine, especially in agility drills.

Rashad Jennings – The big bruising tailback from Liberty has received serious interest from the Patriots.  Really helped his stocked in the shuttle drills, as well as the bench press.

Brian Mandeville – Patriots really targeted Mandeville at the combine.  However, the small school prospect from Northeastern, didn’t impress too mightily.  Still, he looks to be an effective blocker with good hands at the next level.

I know this is a very short list, but these are guys I know the Patriots have a legitimate interest in taking.  We will find out a lot more from the pre-draft visits in the next 2 months.  Keep in mind that the last four Patriots first round picks, Jerod Mayo, Brandon Meriweather, Laurence Maroney, and Logan Mankins have all visited Gillette Stadium beforehand on a pre-draft visit.

Update: Added Harvin to the list.  I originally left him out, but I’m throwing him back in the list.  Also added Nic Harris, William Beatty, Brian Mandeville, and Rashad Jennings.