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2020 NFL Draft Grades: New England Patriots

By Logan Jakubajtys

ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 01: Josh Uche #6 of the Michigan Wolverines in action on defense during the Vrbo Citrus Bowl against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Camping World Stadium on January 1, 2020 in Orlando, Florida. Alabama defeated Michigan 35-16. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 01: Josh Uche #6 of the Michigan Wolverines in action on defense during the Vrbo Citrus Bowl against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Camping World Stadium on January 1, 2020 in Orlando, Florida. Alabama defeated Michigan 35-16. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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MOBILE, AL – JANUARY 25: Safety Kyle Dugger #23 from Lenoir Rhyne of the South Team runs back a punt return during the 2020 Resse’s Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium on January 25, 2020 in Mobile, Alabama. The Noth Team defeated the South Team 34 to 17. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
MOBILE, AL – JANUARY 25: Safety Kyle Dugger #23 from Lenoir Rhyne of the South Team runs back a punt return during the 2020 Resse’s Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium on January 25, 2020 in Mobile, Alabama. The Noth Team defeated the South Team 34 to 17. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

Second Round

S. Kyle Dugger. 37. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 47. Lenoir-Rhyne

When the Patriots selected safety Kyle Dugger with their first pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, a lot of fans reacted with “WHO!?” That is a fair reaction, but for anyone invested in the draft, the name is known. The Lenoir-Rhyne prospect, a Division II school, was a star at the Senior Bowl this year and cemented himself firmly on the Patriots Big Board.

New England’s Director of Player Personnel Nick Caserio stated that only three players were on a short-list for the Patriots heading into the draft. Dugger was one of those players, and they got their man.

Dugger is a big safety, with elite speed and explosiveness. In terms of athleticism, Dugger ticks all the boxes. Of course, his level of competition calls into question his likelihood of making an impact this season in the NFL.

With an aging core of Patrick Chung and Devin McCourty though, Dugger should get some chances. He is also a more than capable punt returner and special teams player, so he will find his way onto the field for the Patriots right away.

The only reason this Dugger pick for the Patriots gets a B- instead of an A- is that it seems they could have waited and gotten him a bit later in the draft.

Scouting Report. LB. Josh Uche. 60. Pick Analysis. Michigan. player. 47

After taking a prospect that may need some time to develop, the Patriots went and drafted a linebacker that will fit right into New England’s plans. Josh Uche, who played under Don Brown at Michigan, will be perfect for Bill Belichick.

The head coach believes in MIchigan’s coaching staff and theur ability to get players ready for the NFL. That was evident last season, as Uche’s teammate and fellow EDGE player Chase Winovich made an impact for New England. That pair will be back together again, aiming to wreak havoc on the AFC East.

Uche had a team-high 8.5 sacks among his 35 tackles in 2019. He also posted two pass breakups and two forced fumbles. Uche is smooth in coverage and can be an effective pass rusher. He should find himself in the rotation early for the Patriots with Kyle Van Noy and Jamie Collins no longer in Foxboro.

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