The Patriots may not have a first-round pick in this year's draft, but that doesn't mean they aren't working hard to stay up to date on players that are near locks to be first-round selections.
On Monday, Ole Miss held a series of pro day workouts that featured left tackle and potential No. 1 overall pick Laremy Tunsil, receiver Laquon Treadwell and defensive end Robert Nkemdiche. All three have been projected by experts to go somewhere in the first round.
All 32 teams had representatives on hand, including the Patriots who sent area scout Brandon Yeargan to take in the proceedings.
In all likelihood, coach Bill Belichick and his staff won't have a chance to land any of the three aforementioned Rebels unless Nkemdiche -- who has off-the-field concerns -- slides and they trade up into the bottom of the first round or the upper-half of the second round.
Still, their presence at the Ole Miss pro day can be filed under the classification of "due diligence." Not only can the Patriots update their files on the three stars of the pro day for when they inevitably prepare for them as opponents, but they also had an opportunity to look at a handful of addition Ole Miss prospects who should be available on Day 2 or 3 of draft weekend.
Here are a few of the other players who participated and may have made an impression on the Patriots.
Fahn Cooper, OT: The 6-foot-4, 303-pounder may not have ideal height to play tackle, but he was measured as having 34.25-inch arms, which could help him keep pass-rushers at bay. A two-year starter opposite Tunsil on the offensive line, Cooper began his college career at Bowling Green, then moved on to College of DuPage, a junior college, before landing at Ole Miss.
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Cody Core, WR: At 6-3, 206 pounds, Core has good size and athleticism -- he ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash at the combine -- but his route-running and hands could use some work if he's going to stick on an NFL roster. He was an effective special teamer in college and could be used in a similar capacity at the next level.
CJ Johnson, LB: A versatile linebacker at 6-2, 238 pounds, Johnson showed an ability to both cover (three picks in the last two seasons) and rush the passer while with the Rebels. His 12 reps on the 225-pound bench press may cause some to wonder if he has the strength to hold up as an inside linebacker in the NFL.