The New England Patriots reportedly have their eye on two under-the-radar NFL draft prospects.
As part of their pre-draft prep, the Patriots on Monday met with North Carolina A&T offensive tackle Brandon Parker, according to a report from Christian Shanafelt, and worked out Sam Houston State defensive lineman P.J. Hall, league sources told Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.
Parker, who reportedly met with legendary Patriots offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia, is projected as a fifth- or sixth-round draft pick. He started every game at left tackle over the past three seasons and was a three-time Offensive Lineman of the Year in the MEAC.
The Patriots, of course, have a glaring need at left tackle following Nate Solder’s decision to sign with the New York Giants in free agency.
Hall played his college ball in the Football Championship Subdivision, starring for a Sam Houston squad that reached the national semifinals in three of his four seasons. Listed at 6-foot-1, 310 pounds, he played on the edge for much of his college career before moving inside as a senior and subsequently earning Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2017.
Regardless of position, Hall was wildly productive, racking up 284 tackles, 42 sacks, 86 1/2 tackles for loss, nine forced fumbles and four interceptions over his four collegiate seasons while also blocking an astounding 14 kicks. He’s projected to go in the third or fourth round.
The Patriots currently own seven selections in the 2018 NFL Draft: one in the first round (No. 31 overall), two in the second (Nos. 43 and 62), one in the third (No. 95), one in the fourth (No. 136), one in the sixth (No. 210) and one in the seventh (No. 219).
