Ex-NFL Exec Can See Standout Draft Prospect In ‘Patriots Uniform’

If former NFL front office executive and ESPN analyst Loius Riddick closes his eyes, he can envision a specific draft prospect playing for the New England Patriots.

“You can see him in a Patriots uniform,” Riddick said to NBC Sports Boston’s Phil Perry on “The Next Pats Podcast.”

So, who exactly is Riddick talking about?

None other than Norwell, Mass., native and Boston College product Ozzy Trapilo. Trapilo starred at offensive tackle for the Eagles, which certainly is a position of need for the Patriots.

Trapilo spent five seasons with the Eagles and turned into a three-year starter for BC in his career. He played in 12 games at right tackle this past season and earned an 81.0 pass block grade from Pro Football Focus and a 74.1 offensive grade en route to All-ACC First Team recognition. Trapilo also helped pave the way on the ground for the Eagles to have two games of at least 300 yards rushing.

The massive 6-foot-8, 309-pound lineman improved his draft stock with terrific performances at the Senior Bowl nearly a month ago. And most draft pundits predict Trapilo to be a third-round pick.

That could line up perfectly for the Patriots, who could address other needs with their first two picks before selecting an offensive lineman. And it just seems like Trapilo would be a perfect fit for the Patriots.

“The Patriots, they need offensive line. They need guys who can come off the ball and really dominate some people,” Riddick said. “There’s an offensive tackle from Boston College, Ozzy Trapilo. … He had one of the best weeks of all the offensive linemen at the Senior Bowl. He was a shutdown player in pass protection. Strong, physical, has played a lot of football at Boston College. That seems like a Patriots type of player.”