Patriots Select Arkansas Offensive Lineman With The 118th Pick

The New England Patriots selected former Arkansas Razorbacks offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt with the 118^th overall pick at the 2019 NFL Draft.

The Denmark product played left guard for the Razorbacks during his collegiate career. Froholdt was also center and then switched back to left guard. At the NFL Scouting Combine, Froholdt ran a 5.2 second 40-yard dash, and put up 31 reps on the bench press and logged a 27.5 inch vertical jump and a 105 inch broad jump. He also ran a 7.51 second 3 Cone Drill and a 4.54 20 yard shuttle. 

“Froholdt has primarily lined up at guard, but a move to center might give him his best shot as a pro,” Lance Zierlein of NFL.com writes. “He has good power to absorb and neutralize at the point of attack, but there just aren’t enough wins as an in-line blocker due to his lack of push. Froholdt also struggles to protect his edges through foot quickness or functional power and he should be able to get the help he needs at center. His ability to play both guard and center strengthens his case to become a solid backup who can step in and start in a pinch.”

“I was very excited,” he said. “Words can’t explain how excited I felt when I got that call. I’m just blessed to be a Patriot right now.  I feel like I’m a hard worker. I take coaching well. I feel like I’m just ready to be a New England Patriot. I’m just blessed to be in this position.”

When asked about playing on the right side, Froholdt said, “Right, yes. I played right tackle in high school, and my first year at West Virginia when I redshirted I played right tackle.”

Reporters also asked Froholdt  about his greatest strength. “I would say I work extremely hard,” he said. “I take coaching. I would say that would be my biggest strength.”

Froholdt is also familiar with Patriots offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia.

“Real familiar. I know he’s one of the greatest football coaches in the NFL right now. I’m just ready to learn as much as I can from him, soak up as much as I can from him. Growing up, I always watched football, just studying the game. I always knew about Dante Scarnecchia and the guys he’s coached, so that’s how I knew about him.”