Willis Patrick worked his way from a Division II program all the way to starting for the TCU Horned Frogs. Can he complete the journey by making the Chargers?
Willis Patrick was born and raised in Grand Prairie, Texas and prepped at nearby Mansfield High School. He was a dominant blocker for his varsity squad, earning a pair of all region honors on top of his team’s offensive line MVP award.
Despite the success and size to play big-time college ball, Patrick chose to continue his career at Angelo State University located in San Angelo, Texas.
In three years there, Patrick started 24 games, 14 of which came in 2021 when he was named a First-Team All-Lone Star Conference selection and a Division II All-American. With his eyes looking up, Patrick transferred to play Deion Sanders at HBCU Jackson State University. There, he started 11 games and helped lead one of the best offenses in the country.
With his final year of eligibility, Patrick chose to shoot for the stars and transfer to the Big 12, landing with the Horned Frogs of TCU. He once again earned a starting job, playing in 12 games at right guard. He earned Associated Press Second-Team All-Big 12 honors and an invite to the East-West Shrine All-Star Game.
Following the 2024 NFL Draft, Patrick signed a UDFA contract with the Chargers.
Basic Info
Height: 6’4
Weight: 338
College: Angelo State/Jackson State/TCU
Experience: Rookie
Years with team: Zero
Contract Status
“Willis Patrick signed a 3 year , $2,847,500 contract with the Los Angeles Chargers, including $17,500 signing bonus, $17,500 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $949,167.” – Spotrac.com
The Good
Offers massive size along the interior. Showed a rare work ethic to transform his body while moving up from Division II to HBCU and finally Division I football. Wide build helps with naturally walling off pass rushers.
Has enough power behind his punches to stall interior rushers and help shut the door on the A gap. Anchors well enough to give his quarterbacks extra time in the pocket.
Acceptable footwork when lining up defenders in run fits.
Has the bully demeanor any coach would want in their offensive linemen. Showed a lot of brute strength against Oklahoma in the season finale.
Willis Patrick UDFA TCU 6’4” 347lbs. This man’s a human bowling ball. I hope he makes the squad. Don’t know if he can pass block but he can surely RUN BLOCK! If not turn him into a NT . Him and Alt on the right side would block out the sun. pic.twitter.com/OuIpHquSMz
— Herbert is the Standard – PROCESS TRUSTED⚡️ (@SunnySideUp211) May 12, 2024
The Bad
Does not offer much position flexibility on the offensive line. Will be a guard and guard only.
Struggles with the lateral movement necessary to handle stunts. Will struggle to execute proper outside zone steps and pulling assignments. Could never lead block into space.
Reportedly lost weight down to 319 ahead of TCU’s pro day but still ran a 5.33 in the 40. His three-cone time of 8.63 is one of the worst I’ve ever seen in that test. This checks out with most scouting profiles hoisting a giant red flag on his agility.
Odds of making the roster/What to expect in 2024?
Patrick was intriguing at first glance coming out of TCU, but a little deeper digging showed me a guy who worked his tail off to make it at his three schools while still lacking tremendously in a number of key areas that help make a passable offensive guard at the next level. After initially believing App State’s Bucky Williams was the worst UDFA offensive lineman signed by the Chargers, I think that actually goes towards Patrick, while both of them still sit behind Karsen Barnhart. In the end, I believe Patrick is just a camp body with no real shot at making the active roster and I think he’d be lucky to land on the practice squad, as well.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login