2020 NFL Draft Grades: New England Patriots

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) /

4 of 5

TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 20: Justin Rohrwasser #16 of the Marshall Thundering Herd kicks a 28-yard field goal in the third quarter against the South Florida Bulls in the Gasparilla Bowl at Raymond James Stadium on December 20, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. The Thundering Herd won 38-20. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

5th Round

159. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. K. Justin Rohrwasser. Marshall. 47

The first kicker off the board was surprisingly not Georgia’s Rodrigo Blankenship. Instead, it was Justin Rohrwasser out of Marshall for the New England Patriots. He actually has New England connections, having played for Rhode Island before the Thundering Herd.

Rohrwasser was 18-of-21 on field goals in 2019 with a long of 53 yards. He missed only one point after attempt. Rohrwasser will replace longtime kicker Stephen Gostkowski for the Patriots.

6th Round

Michael Onwenu. 47. G. Michigan. 182. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis

The Patriots always seem to take offensive linemen late in the NFL Draft, and that continued in 2020 with another Michigan product. Michael Onwenu will compete to backup Shaq Mason and Joe Thuney on the inside of the New England offensive line. He has size that cannot be tought.

Wake Forest. 47. Scouting Report. 195. player. Pick Analysis. OT. Justin Herron

The Patriots lack offensive tackle depth and could use an improvement over Korey Cunningham or Yodny Cajuste. Justin Herron will enter training camp as a player trying to take one of those spots. He returned as a starter and team captain in 2019 after a torn ACL in 2018. He was a three year starter for the Wake Forest Deamon Deacons.

Cassh Maluia. 47. Pick Analysis. LB. Wyoming. Scouting Report. 204. player

Linebacker Cassh Maluia finished the 2019 season with 61 tackles and two interceptions for Wyoming. He will have to fit to carve out a role with the Patriots, even in a linebacker needy situation.

7th Round

47. Pick Analysis. player. 230. Scouting Report. C. Memphis. Dustin Woodard

The Patriots continued to add offensive line depth and competition late in the draft. Center is a great position for a pickup, as Ted Karras brought his talents to Miami. New England has David Andrews returning from a life threatening injury, so a little insurance at the positions is always a positive thing.

Home/New England Patriots