Jarrett Patterson Is In Need Of Strong Performance At 2023 NFL Scouting Combine

The NFL Draft process is already nearing the end for Notre Dame offensive lineman Jarrett Patterson, who will be competing this week in the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Patterson is hoping his versatility, untapped upside and experience will win over talented evaluators on site.

Patterson had started four years for Notre Dame after redshirting initially during his true freshman season in 2018. The first three seasons as a starter (2019-21) came at the center position, gaining a reputation as one of the top centers in all of college football.

During both the 2020 and 2021 season, Patterson was named a Phil Steele All-American member. In total, he started in 46 games in his career, including in 12 in 2022 at left guard. In his final year, Patterson was also named a team captain.

He was also selected to participate in the 2023 Reese’s Senior Bowl, where was joined by former Notre Dame defensive end Isaiah Foskey in Mobile. It was an up and down week at the Senior Bowl and Patterson is now looking for rebound and end his process off on the right foot.

CURRENT PROJECTION

Flash back to the 2021 NFL Draft, there were already people buzzing about this latest center for Notre Dame with NFL potential. Obviously he returned for his fourth year at the time and it feels like Patterson’s draft stock has been declining ever since.

Due to a mixture of uneven play and durability concerns, it just never felt like Patterson quite hit his upside. Instead, he heads into this draft process as a fifth year player who still has a lot of room to grow. That makes Patterson’s prospects a hit enigmatic, with evaluators looking for consistency up front more than anything.

At the end of the day, Patterson is still a four year starter at Notre Dame - and that means something. It is very likely that he will hear his name called this April. The question will be if he can increase his stock enough to come off the board at the beginning of Day Three (rounds four through seven) or if he is picked at the back end of the draft.

WHAT’S ON THE LINE AT THE COMBINE?

The on the field workout will be important for Patterson. There is an assumption that has been out there that he is a finished product with limitations as an athlete. That assumption just isn’t true.

Patterson would put his best foot forward if he is able to showcase the athleticism that once made him such an intriguing prospect. He has an opportunity to really sell to a team that his best football is still in front of him.

Even higher than the on field testing, Patterson’s medicals are going to be a massive layer to this evaluation to watch. The talented offensive lineman dealt with a series of durability issues while with the Notre Dame program and will need to check some of those boxes and ease the various teams.

Here are some numbers that Patterson will hope to hit when he tests in Indianapolis.

40-Yard Dash: 5.20 seconds or better (1.75 10-yard split)

Vertical Jump: 28 inches or higher

Broad Jump: 9 feet or better

3-Cone Drill: 7.40 seconds or better

Short Shuttle: 4.75 seconds or better

Bench Press: 25 reps or better

NEXT STEP

Offensive line is a position that is rooted in dependability and versatility. Patterson showed during the 2022 college season that he could play multiple positions in a pinch.

From here on out, the meetings with the teams will be a big chance for Patterson to sell himself. He still has upside as a starter if he can find the right fit but at first he will need to show a sticking point to make a roster.