Patriots Hosting Receiver Jordan Addison, 2 Other Top 30 Prospects

USC wide receiver and 2021 Biletnikoff Award-winner Jordan Addison is reportedly set to visit the Patriots. This comes one day after reports that the team is scheduled to host fellow top-3o prospects North Dakota State left tackle Cody Mauch and Gardner-Webb wide receiver T.J. Luther. The team has also met with Mississippi State cornerback Emmanuel Forbes (2nd round prospect) and another wide receiver in Ole Miss’ Jonathan Mingo (mid-round prospect).

Top-30 visits are a useful way of gauging where the Patriots’ interests lie in terms of positions and prospects beyond day 1 of the draft. Last season, mid-round picks Marcus and Jack Jones were among several cornerbacks who met with the team. New England also showed interest in a pair of day 1 offensive linemen and backup quarterback prospects, including eventual undrafted free agent signing D’Eriq King.

Jordan Addison is one of the class’ most polished receivers, making defenders uneasy at the top of routes by attacking their blind spots, varying the pace of routes, and hiding his intentions until the last moment. His stock has likely fallen from easy 1st round projection to likely a 2nd rounder after an unimpressive combine showing and tape at USC that doesn’t translate well to the pro game.

While Addison’s tape does show a lack of explosiveness, he has enough athleticism and route-running savvy to become a focal point of the Patriots’ offense if he falls to them or they trade up from #46.

Cody Mauch is an athletic converted tight end who plays with physicality and has the experience to start immediately. The Patriots’ staff also coached the versatile lineman at the Senior Bowl, where he put on a show.

Mauch is likely a guard in the NFL due to short arms and issues with hand placement in protection, but the Patriots have shown they’re willing to sacrifice length at left tackle for a good value. With Mauch’s experience at multiple spots and New England seemingly set at guard next season, it’s not a stretch to think he could stay outside if taken in the 2nd round with the possibility of kicking inside down the road.

T.J. Luther reportedly ran a 4.43 second 40-yard dash at his Pro Day, among  other testing numbers that would’ve ranked in the top-half of his position at the combine. There isn’t much tape on the receiver and kick return specialist, but he did flash downfield ability in the few clips I was able to dig up.

Luther could be a potential depth and developmental prospect with special teams upside.