The New England Patriots sent representatives to all corners of the country Wednesday as they continued their pre-draft preparations.
With head coach Bill Belichick visiting Georgia and Bret Bielema — whose exact role with the Patriots remains unclear — sporting the Flying Elvis out at Southern Cal, defensive line coach Brendan Daly stayed local to get a closer look at Boston College’s Harold Landry, who is considered one of the top pass rushers in this year’s draft class.
Speaking with reporters after his pro day workout in Chestnut Hill, Landry said he spent roughly two hours earlier in the day watching film with Daly.
Like Belichick does at most of his pro day visits, Daly ran Landry through several personalized drills, barking out instructions and words of encouragement as the 21-year-old navigated his way through tackling dummies.
The Patriots signed former Atlanta Falcons defensive end Adrian Clayborn last week but still could use additional pass rush help. Landry, who last month declared himself the best player in the draft at his position, is projected as a late first-round pick.
“I think that nobody in this class has a first step like mine, the bend like mine and the burst to the quarterback like me,” Landry told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. “I am not saying I am perfect — there are plenty of things I can improve on in my game — but in this draft, I do believe I am the best pass rusher.”
Landry racked up 16 1/2 sacks and 22 tackles for loss as a junior in 2016 before an ankle injury hampered him last season. He impressed at the combine, running a 4.64-second 40-yard dash while tying for the best time among edge rushers in the short shuttle (4.19 seconds) and tying for second in the three-cone drill (6.88 seconds).
The Patriots currently own the 31st overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
