The 2019 New England Patriots draft class has been lauded in the media as one of the best in the league since the draft ended on Saturday night. New England had fine haul of ten players after starting the event with 11 picks.
So the entirety of the Patriots draft is solid according to experts, but who are these guys? Many fans — if we are being honest here — probably haven’t watched more than a couple of five-minute highlight videos on each player. And that was likely only after the Patriots selected them.
Here are ten thoughts — one for each player — on the ten Patriots’ selections in the 2019 NFL Draft.
1. N’Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State
Harry may very well be the most physically gifted receiver the Patriots have drafted during the Belichick-era.
2. Joejuan Williams, CB, Vanderbilt
It’s hard to watch Williams and not see shades of Richard Sherman — one of his idols — in his game.
3. Chase Winovich, Edge, Michigan
Thanks to his flowing blonde hair, he looks like Clay Matthews in uniform, but his playing style is eerily similar to former Patriot Rob Ninkovich.
4. Damien Harris, RB, Alabama
If you’ve watched any Alabama football over the last three years, you’ve seen Harris make a “wow” play. He led the Tide in rushing for each of the last three seasons.
5. Yodney Cajuste, OT, West Virginia
Cajuste is a classic Belichick steal. He was graded as a first-rounder by several scouts but fell down the board due to lackluster workout numbers. His film doesn’t lie — he’s a first-round talent.
6. Hjalte Froholdt, G, Arkansas
He played both guard and center in college and excelled at both. Not bad for only picking up football seven years ago as an exchange student (Denmark) in high school.
7. Jarrett Stidham, QB, Auburn
Sometimes you can just tell if a guy has “it” when you hear and see him speak. After watching his highlights, pull up a press conference or two and prepare to be wowed.
8. Byron Cowart, DT, Maryland
Cowart plays the defensive tackle position like a middle linebacker. He waits, and then launches once he knows exactly where the ball is. He was one of the few bright spots on Maryland’s defense last season.
9. Jacob Bailey, P, Stanford
When any of the 31 other teams draft a punter, I raise an eyebrow. When Bill Belichick drafts a punter, I shut up and keep coloring.
10. Ken Webster, CB, Ole Miss
Another low-risk, high reward pick. Webster is a talented football player whose collegiate career was hampered by injury and off-field legal issues. If he can stay healthy and keep his head on straight, he could be the biggest steal of the class.
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