The New England Patriots are slated to have the last selection in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. But that doesn’t mean they can’t find one of the best prospects in the class. The draft, after all, is a lot like roulette — even if the chances of winning are higher at the top of the draft.
New England has major needs at defensive end, tight end, receiver and defensive tackle. The Patriots also need to begin thinking about the future at quarterback and offensive line. Those needs have come into play on this list because they could make a more immediate impact for the Patriots.
Here’s a look at eight difference-making prospects who could fall to the Patriots at 32nd overall.
Irv Smith Jr., TE, Alabama
He has become an analyst-favorite to go to the Patriots. Smith worked under Nick Saban, who is a coach Bill Belichick trusts wholly. The connection between the coaches likely led to Belichick trading up in the first round for former Alabama linebacker Dont’a Hightower. Why wouldn’t the Patriots then commit to Smith, another Saban product?
He’d shoot to the top of the Patriots’ depth chart at tight end. He’s a willing blocker and a capable pass-catcher. The one downside is that he’s got just one season of production. In 2018, he had 44 receptions for 710 yards and seven touchdowns.
If drafted, he’d join an unproven tight end group which includes Jacob Hollister, Stephen Anderson and Matt LaCosse.
Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama
Much of what I just wrote about Smith could be true for Thompson, who is among the most talented safeties in the 2019 draft. His experience playing under Saban is likely a plus to Belichick. Saban can be just as grueling of a coach when compared to Belichick. And if Saban gives Thompson the stamp of approval, Belichick might grab the defensive back in the first round.
Thompson played special teams early in his career at Alabama before emerging as a full-time starter in his junior and final season. Belichick will like those special teams contributions, even if it was, in part, because he was only a one-year starter. As Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung begin to age, Thompson might bring in a new generation of elite safeties in New England.
Jaylon Ferguson, EDGE, Louisiana Tech
He has been convicted of simple assault and battery for a fight in his freshman year of college, which was enough to get him disinvited to the 2019 NFL combine. Despite that mistake, he could be in the mix to go in the first round, largely because of his sustained production.
He was a four-year starter in college, and managed 17.5 sacks and 26 tackles for loss. As noted by NFL.com, more than 27% of his career tackles were for a loss. And perhaps at 6-foot-5, 271 pounds, he could have the versatility to play inside and outside.
A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss
His draft stock has been one that’s hard to predict. But there’s a chance he’s available to the Patriots at 32. And if he is, New England would be wise to pull the trigger. He’s got a history of production with two seasons over 1,200 yards. In 2018, he finished with 85 receptions for 1,320 yards and six touchdowns.
While D.K. Metcalf gets more attention, mostly because of his freakish athleticism, Brown quietly outperformed Metcalf every season. Brown is a durable productive receiver who could play outside or in the slot for New England. He has nuance to his route-running, which makes him a tough player to cover.
Garrett Bradbury, C, NC State
Yeah, let’s get a little weird.
The Patriots have an incredibly reliable center in David Andrews. But Belichick always scoffs at the idea of drafting for need. What if they nabbed Bradbury, a potential Pro Bowler at center?
It would be a strange move, no doubt. But New England needs depth along the interior of the offensive line. And perhaps the Patriots would experiment with Bradbury moving to guard in the event Joe Thuney departs in free agency next offseason. Belichick knows the value of good offensive linemen. While they are set at the position, the Patriots coach is never afraid to draft the player he thinks is the best available.
Jachai Polite, DE, Florida
He has made some strange decisions. He has said some dumb things. And he has performed poorly during the pre-draft process. But I’m rooting for him. He was productive and impressive at Florida. Perhaps Belichick sees a young man who definitely needs to grow up, but also definitely can grow up.
As much as he came off looking immature and unathletic at the combine, Polite logged 19.5 sacks in the SEC during 2018. He’s likened to the Atlanta Falcons defensive end Vic Beasley, according to NFL.com.
Polite would stretch Belichick’s pattern of drafting former captains in the first round. But perhaps the temptation of getting a player of Polite’s caliber would be enough for Belichick to take a bit of a risk.
Dalton Risner, OL, Kansas State
In college, he played center and tackle. That’s a man after Belichick’s heart.
As mentioned, Thuney is set to enter free agency in 2020, and the Patriots are unprepared for his departure. They could set themselves up at the position with Risner, who should be able to play guard at the NFL level. In his rookie season, Risner might serve as the backup to the guards along with right tackle Marcus Cannon.
His athleticism will never be what makes him desirable, but if the Patriots put him inside, they might be able to minimize his athletic shortcomings. He’s a sound blocker with tenacity.
Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma
A foot injury has killed some of Brown’s hype, which could prove to be a gift for New England. The Patriots need help at receiver. They targeted slot options in free agency, like Adam Humphries and Cole Beasley. Brown is not that. He’s more of a speedy, outside receiver-type — a reincarnation of DeSean Jackson. But the Patriots wouldn’t mind having an option to stretch the with Rob Gronkowski announcing his retirement. They may have Josh Gordon in that role — they may not. Brown would help them deal with that uncertainty.
He was productive while working with likely first-round pick Kyler Murray and former first-round pick Baker Mayfield. Over the last two years, he has totaled 132 receptions for 2,413 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
He’s a Kirk Ferentz product, and Belichick loves himself an Iowa Hawkeye. Over the past two seasons, Fant’s production hasn’t been too crazy; he has 69 receptions for 1,013 yards and 18 touchdowns in 24 games. But it’s important to consider the context. He was on the same team as tight end T.J. Hockenson, who is likely to be a top-20 pick. And Iowa’s offense doesn’t throw the ball very often, instead favoring a run-heavy approach.
Fant was never much of a blocker in Iowa, but his pass-catching abilities and incredible athleticism could make him a threat in New England.
