Two NFL Scouting Combine standouts didn’t do anything to hurt their draft stock at Boston College pro day.
Linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis and offensive lineman Matt Patchan stood on their impressive 40-yard dash numbers from the combine, but they participated in positional drills Wednesday and worked out under the close watch of more than 20 NFL scouts.
The New England Patriots, Cincinnati Bengals, Seattle Seahawks, Houston Texans, Denver Broncos, St. Louis Rams, Oakland Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers all were in attendance for the pro day held in Chestnut Hill, Mass.
Pierre-Louis — who ran a 4.51-second 40-yard dash at the combine and had a 4.02-second short shuttle and 6.92-second three-cone drills — said he talked to the Patriots extensively in Indianapolis last month. He said most of their questions were about special teams. The Patriots always are looking for speedy linebackers to contribute on kickoff and punt returns.
Pierre-Louis said most teams are looking at him as a weakside linebacker, but given his speed, size (6-foot, 230 pounds) and coverage abilites, he has been asked about possibly switching to safety — a position he hasn’t played. He said playing strongside linebacker at Boston College in 2012 essentially was like playing as an in-the-box safety.
Patchan said he spent some time with the Patriots at the Senior Bowl and the combine. Patchan played left tackle at Boston College, but he has been asked by scouts about playing right tackle and guard. Patchan ran a blazing 4.97-second 40-yard dash at the combine at 6-foot-6, 302 pounds.
The beared, long-haired Patchan joked that NFL teams would be looking to draft him because he’s the most handsome player in the draft. He also said his experience with five different offensive coordinators, five position coaches and three head coaches through his six years in college can only help him prepare for a new offense in the pros.
Patchan started his college career as a University of Florida tight end recruit. He moved from defensive line to right tackle with the Gators before transferring to Boston College in 2013. He said NFL teams haven’t asked him about a move back to tight end, but he would be open to the switch given his athleticism.
Patriots college scouting coordinator Brian Smith presided over the pro day, so he got a good look at Pierre-Louis, Patchan and star running back Andre Williams, who said he improved on his 4.56-second 40-yard dash from the combine but wouldn’t give an exact number.
Have a question for Doug Kyed? Send it to him via Twitter at @DougKyedNESN or send it here.
