Report: ASU CB Chase Lucas meeting with Browns, Patriots
Apr 11, 2022, 8:56 AM
Arizona State defensive back Chase Lucas reacts after knocking down a pass against Colorado in the second half during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Tempe, Ariz. Colorado defeated Arizona State 34-31. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Former Arizona State Sun Devils cornerback Chase Lucas is meeting with the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots this week, reports NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
Garafolo adds that ASU teammate Darien Butler is also meeting with New England.
Receiving a pair of top-30 visits is a good sign for Lucas’ draft stock given the fact teams are allowed to host up to 30 draft-eligible prospects ahead of the NFL Draft.
In 10 games as a fifth-year senior last season, Lucas recorded 34 tackles, one of which was for a loss, and six passes defensed.
At the NFL Combine, Lucas posted a 4.48-second 40-yard dash to go along with a 39-inch vertical. During his media availability, Lucas said he had an informal meeting with the Arizona Cardinals.
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The Browns’ cornerbacks room appears to have more depth than the Patriots at the moment, with Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome II, Greedy Williams, Troy Hill and A.J. Green among the names in Cleveland’s secondary.
The same can’t be said for the Patriots, who feature Jalen Mills and Malcolm Butler as the team’s projected starters with J.C. Jackson now a Los Angeles Charger. New England also has Jonathan Jones and Terrance Mitchell as notable depth pieces. Mills recorded seven passes defensed last season.
Butler returns to the NFL after suddenly retiring from Arizona on the final cutdown day of the offseason. He was placed on the retired list before the Cardinals released him this offseason, allowing him to sign with New England.
NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein believes Lucas’ self-confidence is a strength but questions his tackle angles and thin frame.
He plays with adequate footwork to pedal and match basic routes but struggles to stay connected to more complex routes, as his body control and change of direction let him down. His lack of size will make him a target against both the run and pass at the next level.
But despite Zierlein’s thoughts on Lucas, the pair of top-30 visits means his draft stock is relatively good. During the visit, prospects will meet with coaches and the front office as well as tour the team facility and undergo medical evaluations.
As for Butler, the senior linebacker recorded 68 tackles, 8.5 of which were for losses, two sacks and three interceptions over 10 games.
Zierlein compares the 5-foot-11, 221-pound linebacker to the Washington Commanders’ Khaleke Hudson.
The Patriots’ linebackers room currently features Matthew Judon, Ja’Whaun Bentley and Mack Wilson.
