Jarrett Patterson is a fundamentally sound, cerebral, physical interior offensive lineman with a mean streak– an ideal mentality coming from your big boys up front. The versatile lineman from southern California high school powerhouse, Mission Viejo High School, spent 5 years with Notre Dame, not giving up a single sack in his entire career in South Bend.
Patterson’s quickness and flexibility on reach blocks highlight one of many attributes from the center/guard. His ability to pull from the center position is an absolute rarity, showing impeccable footwork in an effort to seal blocks. At 6′ 5″, Patterson also pays with excellent leverage, often winning the pad level game against defenders. Additionally, he displays an exceptional motor, never quitting or relenting on blocks and continuing drive at the second level. Patterson is also viewed as a “dancing bear” in the eyes of many experts, as he shows nimbleness and ability with elite physical traits.
Patterson tends to have issues with staying engaged on more speedy defenders in run blocking at the second level and has issues with fending off larger interior defensive lineman due to his shorter than average arms. As a result, Patterson should dedicate himself in the weight room to gain strength to overcome the issue.
Patterson would be an excellent depth piece to an already formidable offensive line room. If the Raiders do select Patterson, the plan should be to develop him under coach Carmen Bricillo’s tutelage, polishing him to be an eventual starter at either the center or guard position. Another caveat in drafting Patterson would be that they would have to possibly move up into the mid to late-4th round (125th-135th overall) to assure they land him. This could likely be accomplished by trading one of their 5th and 6th-round picks to an organization willing to play ball. Such efforts would be worth the trouble, as Patterson contains the physical intangibles, leadership skills, and positive attitude to be a solid lineman for the Las Vegas Raiders, with the right polishing.
