Road to the NFL: Javon Patterson Draft Profile
Since signing with Ole Miss in 2015 as the best player in Mississippi, Petal native Javon Patterson has paved a path to the NFL.
We’re now just seven days away from the 2019 NFL Draft, and up next in our countdown of future NFL Rebels is Petal, Miss. offensive lineman Javon Patterson. Coming out of high school, Patterson was the top player in the state of Mississippi. He was one of the key pieces in that class that featured an additional six players who were 4-star recruits, helping the Rebels to a top-20 class ranking that year.
In his time at Ole Miss, Patterson was a four-year starter, appearing in six games as a freshman–then all 36 games the following three years. He started 37 games at left guard, two at right guard, and three at center. In that time, Javon was an anchor on an Ole Miss offensive line that helped put up some of the best offensive numbers in program history.
Career Overview
Standing at 6-foot-3 inches and 307 pounds, Patterson registered stellar numbers at the NFL Combine:
- 5.13 second 40-yard dash
- 27 bench press reps
- 27.5 inch vertical jump
- 98.0 inch broad jump
- 7.72 second 3-cone drill
- 4.78 second 20-yard shuttle
- 32.5 inch arms
- 9 inch hands
Javon Patterson (Photo: Dan Anderson, The Rebel Walk)
Those numbers, along with his performance in the on-field drills, scored him a 5.07 prospect grade. NFL Analysts associate that score with a better-than-average chance to make an NFL roster.
Besides those numbers at the combine, Patterson had an illustrious career that was highlighted by his equally impressive off the field work.
| CAREER HIGHLIGHTS |
| • 2019 NFL Combine Invitee • 2018 Wuerffel Trophy Watch List • 2018 Preseason All-SEC Second Team (Lindy’s) • 2018 Preseason All-SEC Third Team (Athlon) • 2017 Wuerffel Trophy Watch List • 2017 SEC Student-Athlete Leadership Council • 2017 SEC Community Service Team • 2017 AFCA Good Works Team Nominee |
Scouts and analysts are impressed with Patterson’s pass blocking skills; however, like with the case of fellow offensive lineman Greg Little, they have some questions about his run-blocking ability. That is not an indictment on the skill of either–there’s just simply a lack of tape from Ole Miss’ pass-heavy offense.
Draft Profile
NFL Draft guru Mike Detillier, who produces the annual “Mike Detillier Draft Report”, is widely recognized as one of the top analysts when it comes to the Draft. He includes Javon in his 2019 report and believes Patterson’s versatility could help him be a middle-range prospect.
“Javon is a thickly-built, low-to-the-ground athlete who could project to either guard or center at the next level. Patterson has good leverage skills and he sets up quickly as a pass protector. He displays good body balance and a strong center of balance.“
NFL Draft expert Mike Detillier on Javon Patterson
Detillier further explains Patterson’s skills he believes will help Javon at the next level.
“He knows how to use his arms and hands effectively to keep defenders at bay–good leverage skill performer. Javon stays low and he gets a strong initial surge up the field. Gets a good push from his drive blocks. Has the foot speed and quickness to be effective leading the way on sweeps and pulling plays. Strong athlete in the upper body. Gets under the pads of a defender and he can move him off base.”
Mike Detillier on Javon Patterson
NFL analyst Lance Lierlein, along with NFL.com, has Patterson listed as the 7th best center in the draft.
Athletic and fluid in space, but more adequate than “plus” or “minus” in most categories. He has starting experience at all three interior line positions, but will likely be graded as a center by most teams due to his lack of length and power. Patterson’s body control and foot quickness could make him a Day 3 target for teams looking to add interior competition in a move-based rushing attack.
Javon brings an incredible amount of SEC experience and game savvy. He’s started at all three interior positions on the offensive line–something not many prospects can say.
Where Will He Go in the Draft?
WalterFootball sees Javon as a sixth round pick, possibly to the Ravens, saying: “Javon Patterson made a huge improvement from his junior to his senior year.”
Javon Patterson (Dan Anderson, The Rebel Walk)
RotoWorld has Patterson going as early as the third round, writing: “The senior was also featured on the Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, annually awarded to the player who best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement. A guard with skills and rave reviews off the field, Patterson will likely be in the mix around the third round.”
Clearly, nobody really knows quite where Javon Patterson will land. He’s a big body with a lot of experience in a lot of places. His combined skill at each interior position makes him a valuable asset to any team that needs a rover lineman.
From here, we wish Javon the best of luck in the NFL! He was an exceptional Rebel, and we will surely miss his leadership and football savvy!
Hotty Toddy!
