In the sixth round of the 2024 NFL draft, the New England Patriots selected South Carolina cornerback Marcellas Dial with pick No. 180.
Dial is strong and has top-end speed, running a 4.46 40-yard dash with a 1.55 10-yard split at the NFL combine. He's decent in man coverage, but he needs a ton of coaching to make it at the next level, as analysts believe he struggles with pre-snap recognition and lacks football instincts.
The Patriots have two strong starting cornerbacks in Jonathan Jones and Christian Gonzalez, but after they cut both Jack Jones and J.C. Jackson last year, they could use some depth at the position.
Dial will have to make some big strides over the offseason to earn playing time in the season, but it's always smart to take fliers in the late rounds at cornerback.
