New England Patriots: Latest Combine News and Rumors

The 2014 scouting combine has kicked off, and the flurry of news and updates are already flying out of Indianapolis as 32 NFL head coaches and general managers get a closer look at roughly 300 prospects.

With so much news and so many prospects, it can seem like a full-time job just keeping track of it all. 

That's where I come in. Here, I've compiled a list of some of the news and rumors coming out of New England Patriots camp at the combine. This isn't a comprehensive list but a rundown of some of the biggest stories around the Patriots. So, without further ado, here's a look at what's going on in Indianapolis. 

Dante Scarnecchia Rejoins Patriots as a Draft Consultant

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The Patriots offensive line struggled out of the gate in the 2014 season, and part of the blame fell on the absence of longtime offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia.

Scar is not returning to the Patriots staff on a full-time basis, but according to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald, he will be a consultant for the team during draft preparation. 

Scarnecchia served as the Patriots offensive line coach for a decade-and-a-half and was with the Patriots for 21 years from the 1993 to 2013 seasons. He was heralded for his ability to coach up the roughest prospects into serviceable linemen. Now, he will get to help pick some of those players for new offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo to work with in 2015 and beyond.

Patriots Met with FSU OL Bobby Hart

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In addition to Scarnecchia adding his services to the Patriots once again, the team is seeking further help on the offensive line. 

FSU's Bobby Hart is one of the many offensive linemen the Patriots have and will meet with, according to Phil Perry of CSNNE.com. Hart is an offensive tackle but is expected to convert to guard in the NFL due to concerns about his lack of foot quickness to operate in the open field. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com gives us a look at Hart's NFL potential:

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Young, soft-bodied prospect who is best suited to play guard in the NFL. Tape doesn't always treat Hart kindly, but his issues in pass protection as a tackle won't be same issues he faces in the NFL as a guard. While he has physical limitations, Hart is a competitive player who flashes NFL power potential.

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Hart is considered a mid-round prospect and would be a nice pick on Day 2 of the draft.

At the start of the 2014 season, the Patriots had major problems on the offensive line. They appear to be taking early measures to ensure they do not have the same problems once again.

Patriots Will Meet with Duke OG Laken Tomlinson

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

Offensive line mania is running wild with the Patriots in Indianapolis, as they leave no stone unturned in their effort to improve up front.

According to CSNNE.com's Phil Perry, Tomlinson said he has a meeting with the Patriots "sometime soon." In the constant stream of meetings for players, it's hard to blame him for forgetting when it is. 

In any event, Tomlinson is widely regarded as one of the top guard prospects in the draft, and NFL.com's Lance Zierlein describes him as an "intelligent four-year starter" who has the strength and power to provide some push in the middle:

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Tomlinson has treated defenders like a squat rep at times, but getting defenders centered and jacked will be tougher in the NFL. His lack of athleticism is a major concern and will cause problems winning initial engagements as defenders will get into him first. Tomlinson's lack of preferred physical traits and a go-to skill set leads me to believe he's more suited to be a backup than full-time NFL starter.

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NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock says Tomlinson shot up the draft boards with a strong showing at the Senior Bowl, and the Patriots may have to pounce on him in the first round if they want a shot at him. 

Patriots Will Meet with Minnesota TE Maxx Williams

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

How do you prepare to make a run as a repeat Super Bowl champion? Add to the depth chart.

One spot that's been lacking for the Patriots is tight end, where they do not have many solid options behind Rob Gronkowski. Thus, it's no surprise that the Patriots will be meeting with Minnesota tight end Maxx Williams, as reported by Phil Perry of CSNNE.com. 

Both CBSSports.com and NFL.com list Williams as the top tight end prospect available in this year's class and a fringe first- or second-round pick. At 6'4" and 250 pounds, he has the size to win matchups over the middle and make catches while taking tough hits. CBSSports.com's Dane Brugler compared him to Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten for his frame, athleticism and ball skills. 

If the Patriots could realize that kind of upside with Williams on the roster, they may be able to go back to a two-tight end attack on offense.

Patriots Spoke to FSU OL Tre Jackson

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The Patriots may soon be opening up a pipeline to the Florida State football program. They drafted center Bryan Stork in the fourth round in 2014 and have already met with two FSU offensive linemen this year at the scouting combine.

According to Kevin Duffy of MassLive.com, the Patriots have met with FSU offensive guard Tre Jackson. He also met with Dante Scarnecchia. 

CBSSports.com ranks Jackson as the third-best guard prospect in the draft, and CBS Sports' Rob Rang and Derek Stephens describe the 6'4", 330-pound behemoth as "surprisingly quick" for his size with "good burst to get to linebackers at the second level and the agility to turn and seal defensive linemen in the running game." 

The Patriots need more depth on the interior of the offensive line, and Jackson's skill set could be valuable as they try to fortify that group. 

Unless otherwise noted, all scouting information provided by CBSSports.com and NFL.com.