Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

The New England Patriots are reportedly showing interest in University of Arkansas offensive lineman Frank Ragnow ahead of Thursday night's first round of the 2018 NFL draft.

Jeff Howe of The Athletic reported the Pats have been "all over" Ragnow after hiring former Razorbacks head coach Bret Bielema as a consultant last month.

New England has seemingly been linked to more prospects than any other team throughout the draft process. While most of those were quarterbacks, the 21-year-old Minnesota native is a more realistic target given the team's need to upgrade the interior of its line.

Ragnow contributed during all four years at Arkansas, though his senior campaign got cut short in October because of an ankle injury.

"I want them to know that my ankle is all right," Ragnow told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine. "Personality-wise, I want them to know I’m an intelligent football player with a high character."

He's gained experience as both a center and guard with the Hogs. He expressed confidence in his ability to play tackle if called upon, too.

"I feel like I can play all five [spots]," he said at the combine. "Obviously in college I played center and guard, but I have the length and the footwork to be able to play tackle, so I think that definitely helps me."

Last August, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick discussed how positional versatility can make a player more valuable, per Darren Hartwell of NESN.

"The more flexibility you have, the more depth you have, the more diverse your scheme can be because you can do the same thing from different locations," he said.

Ragnow fits the bill and could find himself heading to New England—which owns picks No. 23 and 31 in Round 1—if the team doesn't package those selections to move up in the order.