2023 NFL draft: RAS scores for every Patriots rookie

How do the RAS scores look for the Patriots’ 2023 NFL draft class?

The New England Patriots entered the 2023 NFL draft with 11 picks and came out with 12 players. It could be seen as a situation of coach Bill Belichick throwing as many darts at the board as possible just to see what sticks.

But make no mistake, these weren’t aimless throws.

In a draft that was heavy on the defensive side of the ball, the Patriots opened up by taking three defenders that could be foundational playmakers of the future for the team. They also addressed the offensive line by adding three interior enforcers, along with taking a flier on two promising receivers for the skilled positions.

They even came away with a kicker and punter in this year’s draft. Belichick checked every box and didn’t let a single pick go to waste. We’ll see if it pays off in the 2023 season.

Today, we’re looking at every Patriots rookie’s Relative Athletic Score (RAS), which is a tool created by Kent Lee Platte that measures a player’s athletic testing to their size, while also taking history into account. The Patriots came away with at least four players with a 9.00 score or higher.

Here’s how the entire 2023 rookie class scored:

Patriots rookie WR Demario Douglas led NCAA in this category

Don’t sleep on Demario Douglas’ potential as a future game-breaker for the Patriots.

The New England Patriots tested their luck on wide receivers in the later rounds of the 2023 NFL draft, and there’s one in particular that could have some high-end potential.

That’s Liberty receiver Demario Douglas.

Douglas had a successful statistical career at the collegiate level. He recorded 79 catches for 993 yards and six touchdowns in 2022. He has the ability to stretch the field, as he averaged at least 10 yards per reception in each of his four seasons with the Flames.

All told, he recorded 172 catches for 2,193 yards and 16 touchdowns in four years of college football.

Analytically, his skillset was one of the best in the entire NCAA. A new graphic put out Tuesday indicated he had the highest career grade among all draft eligible wide receivers, per Pro Football Focus.

Although Douglas was a later-round selection, he does have the potential to find his role on the roster with his speed and playmaking ability. He is a bit on the smaller side at 5-foot-8 and 170 pounds, but his potential and speed make him worthy of keeping an eye on.

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Wide receiver, defensive back standouts from East-West Shrine Bowl: Day 2  

A look at the wide receivers and defensive backs that stood out on Day 2 of the East-West Shrine Bowl.

The second day of practices for the East and West teams at the Shrine Bowl wrapped up, and several players upgraded their stock with impressive performances.

Today, I observed the wide receiver and defensive backs. The Chargers are likely entering the market for a pass catcher that can stretch the field and has the speed to match quarterback Justin Herbert’s big arm.

Head coach Brandon Staley has also said in the past that his team can never have enough men in the secondary, and his versatile defense requires specific athletes and smart football minds.

Here is a look at four players who captured my curiosity on day two that could be a fit for the Chargers.

Standouts from East-West Shrine Bowl: Day 1

Here’s who stood out on the first day of practices at the East-West Shrine Bowl.

Practices for the East-West Shrine Bowl kicked off on Saturday in Las Vegas, marking the start of NFL draft season for many. Four Chargers scouts have been confirmed to be in attendance, as well as our team at Chargers Wire.

Here’s who stood out on the first day of practices.