Edge defender Abdul Carter is among four defensive prospects currently dealing with injuries.
The New England Patriots are in the market for some defensive help in this year’s draft, but the NFL Scouting Combine raised some injury questions about a handful of potential targets.
Four prospects in particular are in the spotlight, according to reports by NFL Network. All of them are projected to come of the board within the first two rounds, and the Patriots will naturally closely monitor each individual situation.
Patriots draft targets with injury questions
ED Abdul Carter (Penn State): Arguably the top player in this year’s draft and a definitive target for New England at No. 4 overall, Carter did not work out at the Combine after a stress reaction was discovered in his foot on Wednesday. He is not planning to undergo surgery, but is still expected to participate at the Penn State pro day on March 28.
DT Mason Graham (Michigan): Graham’s Combine experience will be limited due to a bruise in his left heel. The expectation is that he will do the bench press, but not work out on the field until the Wolverine’s pro day in Ann Arbor on March 21. The 21-year-old is arguably the top interior defensive lineman in the draft, and met with the Patriots’ brass for an interview.
DT Kenneth Grant (Michigan): Speaking of high-profile defensive tackles from Michigan, Kenneth Grant — a fringe first-round prospect — has decided not to work out in Indianapolis after a hamstring strain was found during a medical checkup. As is the case with Mason Graham, the Patriots will have to wait until next month to see Grant in action after speaking to him at the Combine.
CB Shavon Revel Jr. (East Carolina): Revel Jr. is on track to be ready for training camp after tearing his ACL in practice last September. His surgeon sent a letter to NFL teams notifying them of his recovery, while he himself confirmed this timeline at the podium at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Patriots are picking him 38th overall in Pat Lane’s latest seven-round mock draft.
The Patriots are slated to select fourth overall in late April’s draft, as noted above, and near the top of each subsequent round. Besides their needs on defense, they also will have to address their offensive line and wide receiver positions.