The New England Patriots’ roster may not be complete, but (for now) the team is maxed at 90 players. They have signed a handful of their draft selections, and rookie minicamp is underway, along with Phase I of the offseason program, which mostly involves conditioning.
The 2019 draft should help the Patriots shape their roster for 2019 and beyond, as New England seemed to pull in an impressive group of players. Here’s a look at the team’s selections in the draft with grades for each pick.
First round, No. 32: N’Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State
Grade: B+
Harry has a number of qualities that should enable him to be a quick study in New England’s offense. He’s versatile with the ability to play in the slot or outside. He’s also a strong run blocker, a quality which Bill Belichick and Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels value. Harry is also a playmaker in big moments, and he doesn’t shy away from the spotlight. He wants to be the team’s biggest threat. While Belichick would never admit it, he also scratched off a major need: a young receiver that can be a cornerstone piece for the future.
But there are a few downsides. He may have a big frame (6-foot-2, 230 pounds), but he’s not excellent at creating separation. Instead, he relies on physicality to get the ball.
Second round, No. 45: Joejuan Williams, CB, Vanderbilt
Grade: C+
While the pick was slightly odd, you can’t say you didn’t see it coming. The Patriots were clearly enamored with Williams, and seemed to be considering taking him in the first round, according to NESN’s Doug Kyed. Plus, Belichick loves taking unexpected defensive backs in the second round (for example: safeties Tavon Wilson, Duron Harmon and Jordan Richards). But NFL.com gave Williams a third-round grade due to inconsistent play, which included him allowing too many big plays, a no-no in New England.
Williams’ measurables (6-foot-4, 210 pounds) are unique for a cornerback, but it’s unclear how he projects to the pros with that length.
Third round, No. 77: Chase Winovich, DE, Michigan
Grade: B+
The Patriots headlined an impressive third round with Winovich, who had been projected to go in the first round (and sometimes to the Patriots). Winovich has freakish athleticism and motor, even if he’s somewhat undersized (6-foot-3, 255 pounds) for the defensive end position. That may force the Patriots to move him off the ball to their edge linebacker role. In many ways, it’s similar to a defensive end, though it requires a bit more coverage and a bit less pass rushing.
Third round, No. 87: Damien Harris, RB, Alabama
Grade: C+
Sometimes, the best player on the board plays a position which you simply don’t need. In this case, Harris had sat around for far too long, and the Patriots couldn’t keep passing on him. They definitely didn’t need more help running the ball. But if they were going to land a power runner of Harris’ caliber in the third round, they’re not complaining. It’s just strange that they invested a first-round pick in Sony Michel last year, only to invest a third-round pick in Harris. Supposedly, running back is no longer a premium position, and yet the Patriots are treating it as such.
Third round, No. 101: Yodny Cajuste, OT, West Virginia
Grade: A
Dante Scarnecchia said he thought Cajuste could compete for the left tackle position for 2019. The Patriots like to give everyone a shot, but that’s also a testament to Cajuste’s talent and potential. He could be a starter in the near future at right or left tackle. He may need a year as the team’s swing tackle, but Nate Solder, a first-round pick, had to do the same. The Patriots should be pleased to get Cajuste at 101st overall.
Fourth round, No. 118: Hjalte Froholdt, OL, Arkansas
Grade: B+
He’s likely to serve as a depth option on the interior offensive line for 2019. If he can take on a starting role in 2020, when the team may lose Joe Thuney in free agency, then this selection should be considered a success. That looks possible, if not probable.
Fourth round, No. 133: Jarrett Stidham, QB, Auburn
Grade: B
The Patriots have a developmental quarterback. And make no mistake: Stidham is a project. New England bought low on him after his worst season as a college starter. Stidham was restless in the pocket after taking a ton of sacks in both 2017 and 2018. Auburn’s conservative offense also may have failed to highlight Stidham’s strengths, unlike Baylor’s offense where Stidham was more productive. But coming out of high school, Stidham’s physical abilities were highly touted. His natural throwing style remains intact.
Fifth round, No. 159: Byron Cowart, DL, Maryland
Grade: B-
Just like Stidham, Cowart was a highly-touted recruit. Just like Stidham, Cowart didn’t have the college success that many anticipated. In his first season, Cowart got buried on the Auburn defensive line, and transferred to Maryland, where he finally showed some potential in 2018. The question is whether the Patriots will be able to build on that talent. But with a fifth-round pick, it seems like an appropriate risk.
Fifth round, No. 163: Jake Bailey, punter, Stanford
Grade: C
Starting punter Ryan Allen will get some competition during training camp. Bailey has the chance to be the first right-footed punter in New England in recent memory. It doesn’t hurt that the Patriots took him in the fifth round if he truly proves to be their punter of the future. If he gets cut, however, it looks less brilliant.
Seventh round, No. 252: Ken Webster, CB, Ole Miss
Grade: C+
Belichick and Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio have had success with this brand of cornerback. Webster is a freak athlete, whose play hasn’t quite matched his measurable. But the Patriots took the time to develop Jonathan Jones and Keion Crossen, who started on special teams and are developing into defensive contributors. Webster will be direct competition for Crossen.
