[jwplayer cQt1Dfhi-ThvAeFxT]
The New England Patriots finished off the 2020 NFL Draft with some depth at the center position.
New England selected center Dustin Woodard out of Memphis with the No. 230 pick. The Patriots only have David Andrews at the center position currently and he’s coming off a season he missed with blood clots. Ted Karras stepped up in Andrews’ place for the Patriots last year, but he joined the Miami Dolphins this offseason.
Woodard is 6-foot-2, 291 pounds, and is an extremely reliable player. He was tied for the most start in the Tigers’ history with 52 and he played 928 of 992 snaps for the team last year. He’s also one of this draft class’ elite run-blockers according to Pro Football Focus.
With what is likely their final pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select Dustin Woodard – C Memphis!
Woodard was the best run blocking center in all of college football with an elite 90.1 Run Blocking Grade!
— PFF NE Patriots (@PFF_Patriots) April 25, 2020
Andrews started for New England for four seasons before missing last year and he’ll be the starter as long as his health holds up. Woodard has all the intangibles and durability he needs to succeed at the next level, he just has to put on some weight and develop further.
The Patriots hit their needs at tight end, linebacker, kicker, interior offensive line and the only position they neglected was quarterback. Nick Caserio said the team will have a third quarterback on the roster this offseason, so they’ll either come from free agency or undrafted.
[vertical-gallery id=85450]