Jarrett Patterson Focused on Showing Versatility During Draft Process
Notre Dame offensive lineman Jarrett Patterson finished up his career with the Fighting Irish in December as he helped pave the way for 263 rushing yards in the 45-38 victory.
The 6-foot-4, 304-pounder quickly changed his focus to preparing for the 2023 NFL Draft and the Reese’s Senior Bowl. And it shouldn’t be a surprise, but Patterson enjoyed being able to showcase his talents against some of the best competition in the country.
“You’re competing against some of the best college football has to offer,” Patterson stated to reporters at the Senior Bowl. “I love the offensive line group on the National team and we’re helping each other off the field. Just learning NFL schemes from NFL coaches, especially from different staffs this year which is something different at the Senior Bowl.”
Patterson was one of the few offensive linemen in Mobile (Ala.) who showed he could play multiple positions, which was one of his primary objectives during he week.
“The main goal I want to show is the versatility to play all three interior spots, my toughness and being coachable,” explained Patterson. “Those are the main things I want to show and something I know I can do.”
At this point, the majority of NFL teams are looking at Patterson as a center with the ability to play guard despite the Notre Dame graduate playing left guard in 2022.
Patterson, who played in 49 games (46 starts) for Notre Dame, isn’t too worried about where he’s projected by coaches or scouts, but agrees center makes sense as he was an All-American at the position in 2021.
“It makes sense because I played center for three years in college,” stated Patterson. “For me, I’m just going to keep pitching I can play both positions equally as well.”
The California native got plenty of work at center and guard during the Senior Bowl and while it was an adjustment at first to get back in the flow of playing center, it’s something that came back quickly.
“I haven’t taken a ton of live snaps at center since I played it at the end of 2021 in our bowl game,” said Patterson. “I still have it in me to play. It takes a couple reps to get used to, but I can play it at a high level.”
Patterson’s next step will be the NFL Combine which begins February 28th and runs through March 6th. He’ll be joined by former Notre Dame teammates Michael Mayer, Isaiah Foskey and Brandon Joseph in Indianapolis.
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