Here Are 6 Rutgers Players The Patriots Might Draft In 2016, Because Rutgers
By Matt Dolloff, CBS Boston
BOSTON (CBS) -- The New England Patriots have not drafted a player out of Rutgers since Logan Ryan and Duron Harmon in 2013 - in fact, only two Scarlet Knights have been drafted across the entire league in the past two years - but the connection remains as strong as ever between the school and head coach Bill Belichick, who could be in line to take at least one Rutgers player in the mid-to-late rounds of Thursday's 2016 NFL Draft.
Most of Rutgers' draft prospects this year rank outside of the top 250, making them more likely to be undrafted free agents than late-round selections. Bill Belichick has been known to make significant reaches for players he strongly desires, spending early or mid-round picks on players who were barely on experts' draft boards. Some such picks have worked out (Sebastian Vollmer) while others have not (Tavon Wilson, Ras-I Dowling). It would shock no one who's been paying attention to the Patriots for the past decade-and-a-half that if Belichick really believes in a player, he will select him and deprive rival teams of the chance to scoop him off the free agent scrap heap.
Belichick himself did not attend Rutgers Pro Day, but Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio did. So, clearly, the Patriots still do their homework on the Scarlet Knights' program.
Here is a list of Rutgers players to get to know a bit before the draft, because they very well could be wearing the Flying Elvis this time next week.
WR Leonte Carroo
6-foot-1, 211 lb.
Projected: Round 2-4
The sure-handed wide receiver didn't make the Rutgers Pro Day, but he did reportedly visit the Patriots on April 11. He has also visited the New York Jets and New York Giants.
Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald wrote a nice profile on Carroo, who has connections to Josh McDaniels and also has the smarts, versatility and skill set that could make him a good fit on the Patriots. He also keeps in touch with current Patriots Devin McCourty, Duron Harmon and Logan Ryan, all former Rutgers products.
LB Steve Longa
6-foot-1, 241 lb.
Projected: Late rounds/Undrafted free agent
Longa has the versatility to play all three linebacker spots. You know how much Belichick loves that kind of skill set, and how much he loves linebackers in general. Don't be surprised if they scoop this guy up on the last day.
OT Keith Lumpkin
6-foot-7, 320 lb.
Projected: Undrafted free agent
Lumpkin is absolutely massive at 6-foot-7 and 320 pounds, the ideal size for a blind-side tackle. But he's also knocked for inconsistency and struggles with his technique. He's not likely to be drafted, but could end up signing with New England as an undrafted free agent.
RB Paul James
6-foot-0, 206 lb.
Projected: Late rounds/Undrafted free agent
James' running style has been compared to Ryan Mathews. He hits running lanes with aggression and finishes his runs, which the Patriots often look for in early-down running backs. He does have a torn ACL on his record, which could leave him undrafted.
LB Quentin Gause
6-foot-0, 232 lb.
Projected: Late rounds/Undrafted free agent
Gause was the star of Rutgers Pro Day and has already visited with multiple teams. His rising stock could earn him a late-round selection. Belichick's Patriots can never have enough linebackers.
FB Sam Bergen
6-foot-0, 250 lb.
Projected: Undrafted free agent
Bergen is a fullback, which isn't exactly an in-demand position and doesn't make him likely to actually be drafted. But, if any team were to surprise people by spending a late-round selection on Bergen, it's the Patriots. Considering Josh McDaniels' affinity for fullbacks and that keeping Tom Brady upright will be a top priority in 2016, don't be shocked if Bergen ends up in New England.
Matt Dolloff is a writer for CBSBostonSports.com. His opinions do not necessarily reflect that of CBS or 98.5 The Sports Hub. Have a news tip or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff and email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.