The New England Patriots traded up to select Maryland defensive tackle Byron Cowart with the 159th overall pick in the fifth round during the 2019 NFL Draft on Saturday.
He was a highly touted high school prospect that didn’t meet the hype in college. He started his college career at Auburn, where he flopped and transferred to Maryland. That’s where he finally began to meet that potential with 38 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions in 2018.
Cowart will join a defensive tackle group, which will have incumbent starter Lawrence Guy and role player Adam Butler. The Patriots also signed free agent Mike Pennell, who could be a starter in 2019.
The Patriots’ draft class includes Arizona State receiver N’Keal Harry, Vanderbilt cornerback Joejuan Williams, Michigan defensive end Chase Winovich, Alabama running back Damien Harris, West Virginia tackle Yodny Cajuste, Arkansas guard Hjalte Froholdt, quarterback Jarrett Stidham and now Cowart.
