Patriots bring in two more offensive linemen for pre-draft visits.
New England is taking an extensive look at this year’s offensive line class.
The New England Patriots continue taking an extensive look at this year’s offensive line class. After already hosting seven reported prospects on pre-draft visits over the last three weeks, they brought in two more the last few days.
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South Florida offensive tackle Donovan Jennings and Boston College guard Christian Mahogany were both at Gillette Stadium this week, according to reports by Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston. Whereas Jennings’ visit counts against the allotted 30 visits each team can have, Mahogany’s local status means that him coming to Gillette Stadium does not.
Jennings, 24, was a five-year starter for the Bulls and started 47 of his 55 total career games. He spent a vast majority of his time at left tackle — 96.2 percent — but also has some experience on the interior: he started two games at right guard, and also was given the opportunity to showcase his talents at the Senior Bowl.
At 6-foot-4, 323 pounds with 33-inch arms and an 81-inch wingspan, Jennings lacks ideal length to become a tackle at the next level. Turning into a positionally-flexible tackle/guard hybrid might be the path onto an NFL roster for the projected rookie free agent.
Mahogany, 23, will hear his name called in the draft. Starting all 34 of his games as an Eagle — 23 at right guard, 11 at left guard — he offers plenty of experience and combines it with good size and impressive athleticism: the 6-foot-3, 314-pounder posted a 9.63 Relative Athletic Score during the pre-draft process.
As a result of all that, Mahogany is projected as a fringe third-round selection. Unlike offensive tackle, where the Patriots have a clear need, the interior seems to be in relatively decent shape. Nonetheless, he is definitely a promising player.
Local visits such as Mahogany’s are slightly different from traditional 30 visits for non-local prospects. A team can bring in as many local players as it wants — sometimes as part of a pro day like the one set up by the Patriots earlier this month — and also conduct on-field workouts; something teams are not allowed to do in those 30 visits.
