CHESTNUT HILL – Boston College held its pro day on Monday, and the New England Patriots had a solid group in attendance to take a closer look at the athletes.
Among them was head coach Mike Vrabel, offensive line coach Doug Marrone, linebackers coach Mike Smith, VP of Player Personnel Ryan Cowden, director of college scouting Tony Kinkela, and assistant director of college scouting Brian Smith.
“Mike’s done an unbelievable job at the Patriots in a very short time, turning that around,” Eagles head coach Bill O’Brien said. “We try to recruit guys that are tough, that are smart, that are dependable, and I think those are the type of guys that he’s looking for on his team. So yeah, you’re hoping there’s a little bit of a pipeline.”
The Patriots were one of 29 NFL teams on hand, along with four CFL teams. And with that, there are a few players that could find their way onto the roster for New England, whether it’s in the draft or as an undrafted free agent.
Here Are 5 Players To Know From Boston College Pro Day:
DE Quintayvious Hutchins
The 6-foot-3, 240-pound defensive end is an intriguing option for the Patriots, providing depth at a position of need. And considering Vrabel’s close relationship with O’Brien, it’s likely the coaching styles would be similar, which would allow Hutchins to continue growing as a player.
At one point, after Hutchins did some on-field work, Vrabel pulled the defender to the side to speak with him, along with giving him feedback regarding his hand placement and how to leverage his body weight.
“It was genuine,” Hutchins said of the interaction. “He took the time out to see something in me, to stop his day to say something to me. It was a moment of shock for him coming to me face-to-face, but it was really cool.”
WR Lewis Bond
While he plays on the opposite side of the ball from Hutchins, Bond is in a similar situation regarding the potential transition from O’Brien to Vrabel. Even he saw the similarities after spending a short time with the Patriots’ head coach.
“Great guy,” Bond said. “He kind of reminded me of Coach O’Brien a little bit. All about football. Smart, knows football. He’s very disciplined and going to lead that way.”
Bond was another player who Vrabel sought out specifically, with the receiver having the opportunity to show what he can do after not receiving an invite to the NFL combine. And it was his route-running and reliability that stood out during the throwing session.
“Lewis Bond is one of the best players to ever play here,” BC head coach Bill O’Brien said of the receiver who is the Eagles’ all-time leader in career and single-season receptions.
OT Jude Bowry
There’s also Bowry, a 6-foot-5, 315-pound tackle who has been working with Patriots Hall of Fame coach Dante Scarnecchia.
“Coach Scar is great, it’s great to work with him,” Bowry said. “He’s a legend. He’s helped me a lot with my punch and just being a better overall player. He’s seen the game in many ways and I just appreciate everything he’s done.”
Bowry also spent some time working with Patriots offensive line coach Doug Marrone in drills, and it would make sense for New England, given that they have lost Vederian Lowe to free agency. And Thayer Munford Jr., who is also a free agent, is not expected to sign anywhere soon due to a surgery he had after playing through a knee injury (per ESPN’s Mike Reiss).
While he acknowledged that there’s “always something I can improve,” Bowry feels he “showed what I needed to show.”
“I’m a good overall player,” Bowry explained. “I can do anything, where you need me, I’m (going to) work at it and do what I need to do.”
OL Logan Taylor
Taylor is another intriguing option for the Patriots, being listed as a tackle but can also move inside and provide depth at guard. The 6-foot-7 offensive lineman spent some time chatting with Vrabel at midfield before drills started and had a nice showing, also working with Marrone.
TE Jeremiah Franklin
Tight end is a need the Patriots are expected to address in the draft, and while Franklin likely won’t get drafted, he’s a possible UDFA the Patriots can bring in, given he worked with O’Brien and had a solid day catching the ball, along with showing off his blocking abilities.
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