James White has a pretty good read on the type of players that would work in a Josh McDaniels offense, or with the Patriots as a whole.
The three-time Super Bowl winner, now a college football analyst, spoke with MassLive recently and offered his thoughts on the Patriots needs, and prospects he likes in each category.
White, who co-hosts Sirius XM NFL’s “The Opening Drive” with Solomon Wilcots on Wednesday morning, also didn’t hesitate to point out some question marks with top prospects.
Here’s a look at some of the Patriots’ top needs, with White filling in the blanks.
Wide receiver
It’s no secret Drake Maye needs receiver help. While it’s too early to completely dismiss Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, who were members of the 2024 Patriots draft class, it’s not out of the realm to see the team dip back into the draft.
White called Tetairoa McMillan, considered by many the best receiver in the draft, a “unique” talent. But he wouldn’t take the 6-foot-5, 210-pound Arizona star with the fourth pick, which is currently where the Patriots sit.
“People say grab him at No. 4. To me, that’s a little bit of a stretch,” White said of McMillan, who has elite ball skills. “But, he’s talented, he’s big, and can make all the catches. I’m just not sold on picking him at No. 4. If you can trade back, and get him a few picks later, I’m all for that.”
White also wouldn’t take Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka at No. 4, but loves the player. He would wait until the second round for Egbuka, who is 6-foot-1, 205 pounds.
“He catches everything, He can block,” White said. “Some people have drawn up some comparisons to (Detroit’s) Amon St. Brown. He’s not flashy, but he gets the job done. He’s going to be dependable. He can play inside, outside. He definitely fits Josh’s system.”
Missouri’s Luther Burden III is another on White’s radar. The athletic playmaker can pay in all of the receiver spots and is dynamic with the ball in his hands.
“I like him for the Patriots,” White said. “He’s got speed. He’s a quick-twitch type of guy. Really strong, too.”
Offensive Tackle
The best tackle in the draft is LSU’s Will Campbell. The 6-foot-6, 320-pounder has been a left tackle for the Tigers. Some experts believe he’ll be more suited as a guard than tackle given his short arms.
The Patriots are in desperate need of a tackle. White’s take?
“People are saying whether Campbell would be a guard or a tackle. For me, I don’t get all wrapped up in that stuff,” White said, referencing Campbell’s short arms. “If you’re a good player, you’re a good player. I think I had some of the smallest hands at the Combine. What difference did that make?”
See Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons for details. The running back with the small hands had a record 14 catches for 110 yards.
White also mentioned Texas’ Kelvin Banks and Ohio State’s Josh Simmons as possibilities.
Said White of Banks: “Texas had one of the best offensive lines in the country, led by him.”
Edge Rusher
White loves Penn State’s Abdul Carter as a pass rusher, but needs to see more tape to see how well he sets the edge and impacts the opposing run game.
“I think when it comes to him, I’d like to watch more tape on him as far as the run game. That’s the only issue I may have with him,“ White said. ”I don’t know how strong he is at the point of attack. But as a pass rusher, he’s No. 1 for sure. He’s a game-wrecker.”
One who is expected to go in the top five. If quarterbacks go with the first two picks, the Patriots might have a chance to land him.
White would also like to see more of Tennessee’s James Pearce, and if he’s a one-trick pony – pass rush only.
He likes Texas A & M’s Nic Scourton, who is known for his pass rush, as well as his stellar run defense.
“He’s 6-4, 285. So he’s a bigger dude,” White said. “I like that he has some position flexibility to play outside or inside.”
Defensive Tackle
This is shaping up as Michigan’s Mason Graham, then the rest.
White would have no problem seeing the Patriots pick Graham at No. 4. The Patriots could sure use some help up front on the defensive line.
“He’s definitely the top of the top. He can move, he’s physical. He can impact the run game, the pass game,” White said. “He can wreck a game with his ability to shed blocks and beat blocks.”
The Patriots need a game-wrecker up front, and Graham fits the profile.
Tight end
White pumped up the tight ends, saying it was a “really good” class.
This isn’t the biggest need with Hunter Henry a given, but with Austin Hooper a free agent, and Jaheim Bell, unproven given he was barely used as a rookie, the Patriots might need some help.
While it’s doubtful the Patriots would draft a tight end with the No. 4 overall pick, it comes into play if they move down the board.
Along those lines, White is a big fan of Penn State’s Tyler Warren, who is expected to go in the 10-to-15 range.
“He can win those close one-on-one situations,“ White said. ”He’s versatile. You can play him outside, inside, line him up in the wildcat. He has good run-after-catch ability. He can block, too. I can see him going top 10, top 15.”
McDaniels has always loved using versatile tight ends in his offense. White was also high on Michigan’s Colston Loveland.
“He’s really fluid for being 6-5, 245,” White said. “He has really good hands. He can run after the catch.”
Then, there’s LSU’s Mason Taylor, Jason Taylor’s son. White has a soft spot for him.
“He went to my high school. He’s natural, smooth,” White said of Taylor, who attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School. “But I’m not sure about his blocking.”
Taylor is a third-round projection.
Cornerback
Colorado’s Travis Hunter is the top cornerback in the draft. He’s also one of the top receivers.
His future in the NFL?
“I think he’ll play corner, but teams will use him as a speciality guy,” White said. “He’s too dynamic of a player not to try to utilize him like that.”
Given how the Patriots have deployed Marcus Jones on defense and offense, White can envision the same scenario with Hunter. White believes McDaniels would love incorporating Hunter into the offense.
The thought of Hunter primarily playing opposite Christian Gonzalez as a boundary corner also has considerable appeal.
White also mentioned Michigan’s Will Johnson, and Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison.
“He might be my favorite corner in the draft,“ White said of Morrison. ”When he was a freshman, I watched him matched up against Marvin Harrison Jr. He held his own against the best receiver in the country. He’s definitely a good football player.”
Running back
Of course, White had to throw in a few running backs for good measure.
Whether it’s the Patriots or another team, the cream of the crop is Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty.
“He has everything you need,” White said of the Heisman Trophy finalist. “He can block. He can catch. He has good contact balance, he can make you miss, and has the speed to take it the distance.”
White also singled out Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson.
“He has speed … I think he hit 22 mph in a game,“ White said. ”He’s extremely explosive. He can be a third-down back.”
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