Patriots Will Host Cody Mauch and Jordan Addison

The New England Patriots have extended an invitation to two players in this year’s NFL Draft so far for a top 30 visit. Cody Mauch of the FCS powerhouse North Dakota State, former Biletnikoff award winner, and USC wide receiver Jordan Addison. A top 30 visit allows for the Patriots to bring players in and test them physically and mentally to see if they would be a fit for their team. Both players fill significant positional needs for the Patriots, so it should not come as a surprise if either is selected by the Patriots.

Cody Mauch 

6’5”, 300 lbs., Career 62 games played (39 starts) 

When you think of the word grit that should be synonymous with the name Cody Mauch, Mauch is a physically gifted run blocker who has the demeanor of a rabid animal. His 6.36 grade at the NFL combine was good enough for fortieth out of all participants and eighth out of all offensive linemen, which projects as a plus starter, according to his NFL Draft profile.

Mauch overview on the NFL’s website says all you need to know about him.

“Mauch’s two front teeth are missing (they were knocked out during a junior high basketball game), and he wears a big mop of shoulder-length red hair, so you get the sense you are about to watch a hockey player on turf when you turn on the game tape. As expected, Mauch is a rugged player with an attacking demeanor who does his most consistent work as a drive blocker in the run game. Inconsistent footwork in pass protection and below-average arm length could foreshadow a move inside to guard, where he is capable of competing for a starting job as a scheme-versatile tough guy.”

When looking at Mauch’s strengths and weaknesses, it really is quite simple. He excels in run blocking, and his pass blocking could use a little bit of work. His size projects him as an interior lineman, much similar to a former New England Patriots draft pick.

If you look at all of Mauch’s measurables from the combine, he is an almost carbon copy of Joe Thuney, who was drafted in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. It is actually quite scary how close in relation these two are in all of their measurables. Thuney also moved from tackle to guard when he came into the NFL.

Mauch being drafted could mean a few things. He is projected as a day two pick right now, more than likely early on day two, and could be drafted as to play tackle or a depth for the interior line. With Michael Onwenu in the last year of his deal, the Patriots could see this as a security selection, as the Patriots could plug and play Mauch if Onwenu chooses to leave the Patriots. If they choose to use him at tackle, although he may be a little undersized, he could develop into a solid tackle, but only time will tell.

Jordan Addison 

5’11”, 175 lbs., 11 games, 59 catches, 875 yards, 8 touchdowns 

Jordan Addison, out of USC, is arguably the best receiver in the draft, depending on what you want out of him. The Junior transfer to USC from the way of Pittsburgh last spring was the Biletnikoff Award winner in 2021 for the nation’s top receiver. Addison is in Foxboro today to meet with the Patriots.

Addison is a threat all over the field. He split time at Pittsburgh, and USC lined up all over the field. His route-running ability is something that you want from a receiver who is just six feet tall, but he plays bigger than his frame. He can go down the field and make contested catches while also having the ability to run short and intermediate routes as well.

He is ranked as the number three receiver in the draft, but he is by far the most pro-ready receiver because of his tools. He is remarkably like Devonte Smith of the Eagles just has a little bit bigger of a frame.

“Inside/outside wideout with the speed and agility to work confidently on all three levels of the field, but lacking the size and catch strength generally associated with high-impact performers on the next level. Addison’s route running features acceleration, dynamic steering, and sudden turns at a moment’s notice. While he can get to the spot effectively, he has trouble consistently winning battles when he has coverage company beside him. While Addison failed to make the same impact he did in 2021, his usage at Pitt might be a better indicator of the type of role and production he could be capable of on the next level.”

At Pitt, he was primarily a slot receiver when he won the Biletnikoff Award, and his move to USC also flip-flopped. When at Pitt in 2021, he lined up in the slot 67% of the time (576 out of 870 snaps), and at USC, he lined up outside the numbers 75% of the time (422 out of 562 snaps).

If Addison is available when the Patriots are up to select at number 14, Addison is one of the few receivers that New England has taken a flyer on, the others being TCU’s Quentin Johnston, Boston College’s Zay Flowers, and OSU’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba but the Patriots bringing in Addison for a top 30 visit means, in theory, that they are strongly considering taking him over the other three.

Addison is also confirmed to have meetings with the Vikings, Ravens, and Giants for a top-30 visit and a local visit to the Chargers.