Round 1, Pick 32: N’Keal Harry (WR) – Arizona State
In his three years at Arizona State, Harry averaged 71 receptions for 963 yards and over seven touchdowns. Going into the draft, he was seen as a possession receiver with strong hands. His feet were seen as his biggest weakness. I saw player comparisons all over the place including Demaryius Thomas, Marques Colston, and Allen Robinson.
This selection obviously filled a need for New England. They were set to have Phillip Dorsett as the number two WR, behind Julian Edelman (provided Josh Gordon remains suspended). Harry will now slide in and have the opportunity to become Brady’s #2 target (#3 if you include James White).
It’s tough to predict WRs in the Patriots’ offense. The range of outcomes has been incredible. This is even more true with this being the first WR Bill Belichick has ever selected in the first round with the Patriots. I’d like to see Brady make a return to mini-camp this year to work with the rookie. If he doesn’t get that extra work, it could hurt him.
Round 2, Pick 45: Joejuan Williams (CB) – Vanderbilt
I know what they say about trusting a guy with two first names, but what’s the rule when it’s LITERALLY two first names? Williams is a very interesting prospect entering the NFL. He enters the league as a 6’4″ cornerback. That’s almost unheard of. He improved every year during his college career, and in his final season, snagged four interceptions.
Williams is a press-corner and that could prove helpful in New England’s system. The pick was a bit of a surprise, as they already have Stephon Gilmore, Jason McCourty, Jonathon Jones, last year’s UDFA J.C. Jackson (played a fair amount down the stretch), and last year’s second-round pick Duke Dawson (missed the year with an injury). This may be a move that allows for Belichick to play four or five CBs more consistently. It could also be settling in for a potential move next season. Jason McCourty was considering retirement this year. Who knows if he’s around next season?
For now, I see Williams as a potential third or fourth option behind Gilmore and McCourty. The last 6’4″ CB to roll through New England was Brandon Browner. That may be an easy expectation for Williams down the line.
Round 3, Pick 77: Chase Winovich (DE) – Michigan
Winovich started three of his four years at Michigan. There, he averaged 55 tackles and more than six sacks per season. Some considered Winovich to be the best player on Michigan’s defense, and that’s one that included Rashan Gary. He’s been described as a “motor” guy, but we all know what the means. I’ll tell you his feet are outstanding, but his hands could use some work.
After losing Trey Flowers to Detroit, DE was a top need in New England. The acquisition of Michael Bennett lessened the importance, but it was still there. Winovich will likely be a rotational guy, especially in his rookie season. What the Patriots are hoping for is that a rotation of Winovich, Derek Rivers, and Deatrich Wise can replace Flowers’ production. I’d put my money on them succeeding.
Round 3, Pick 87: Damien Harris (RB) – Alabama
Talk about a pick that confuses people. Damien Harris was considered by some as the second or third best RB in this draft. He’s a bigger back who had a lot of long TD runs in his college career. Some of that was aided by playing with a strong OL, but someone needs to hit the open hole. He’s not a guy who will be great getting to the edge, but he can pound it up the middle.
The reason why this pick was so confusing to Patriots fans is the depth at the position. New England already employs last year’s first round pick Sony Michel, James White, Rex Burkhead, and they just re-signed Brandon Bolden with a pretty nice signing bonus.
I’m not totally against going best player available here. I mean, in the three years where he actually saw touches, Harris averaged roughly 6.8 yards per carry. In the SEC, you have to think that translates somewhat. You may seem him take carries away from Burkhead, maybe even make him expendable. It’s tough to gauge because they all do different things.
Round 3, Pick 101: Yodny Cajuste (OT) – West Virginia
The tale of the tape tells us Cajuste is a 6’5″ 312-lb OT who put up 32 reps on the bench. That was the third most reps of any OL this year. Cajuste played LT for West Virginia, but many believe he’ll play RT at the NFL level. One thing is for sure: he’s raw.
What better team to coach a raw OL than the New England Patriots and OL coach Dante Scarnecchia? With Scar’s help, Cajuste may become a competent NFL starter. The question remains: where would he play? Obviously, LT is the position up in the air for the Patriots. Isaiah Wynn was drafted to play there last year. There were questions about his ability then, and that was before he missed his entire rookie season with a torn Achilles.
Having surgery this offseason could grant Cajuste the “red-shirt” rookie season in the NFL. If he’s healthy enough to play and compete, he may learn at both tackle spots and could maybe be the successor to soon-to-be 31-year-old Marcus Cannon at RT.
Round 4, Pick 118: Hjalte Froholdt (OL) – Arkansas
I bet you can’t pronounce it. Not even if there was a fire. What we do know about Froholdt is he’s 6’5″ and from Denmark. Froholdt has the versatility that could make him a guard or center, but he’ll certainly be a backup for now. Again, this is another project for Scar. For now, I’m envisioning him taking up the spot on the roster that’s currently held by Ted Karras, another versatile OL.
In the future, if the project works, it may be that he’s called upon to replace a guy like Joe Thuney as he nears free agency.
Round 4, Pick 133: Jarrett Stidham (QB) – Auburn
STOP THE PRESSES. EVERYBODY STOP WHAT YOU’RE DOING RIGHT NOW. THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS HAVE DRAFTED A QB. I REPEAT. THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS HAVE DRAFTED A QB.
Now that we have that out of the way, we may continue. This is an interesting situation. Fourth round quarterbacks do sometimes become starters (see Dak Prescott). As Belichick has said in the past, “We know what Tom’s age and contract situation is.” With that said, there’s no guarantee Stidham is the guy. They need guys to compete, and they obviously want young arms. Keeping Danny Etling on the practice squad all year wasn’t an accident. Those two will battle it out to see who sticks.
What we know about Stidham is that he’s 6’3″ 215 lbs. He transferred to Auburn from Baylor after sitting out a season following the firing of coach Art Briles. In his two seasons with Auburn, Stidham averaged 2,976 yards, 18 touchdowns, and just over five interceptions. He excels in RPO offenses, which is something New England doesn’t do a ton of. That could be a complete change.
Stidham is a better overall QB than Etling. I’d expect to see Stidham make it onto the 53-man roster this season (barring injury). Beyond that, however, I can’t say.
Round 5, Pick 159: Byron Cowart (DL) – Maryland
Cowart was a five-star recruit coming out of high school when he decided to play for Auburn. However, his recruiting coach, Will Muschamp, left early on. Cowart struggled to find playing time with his new coach, and when his mother was having health issues, he left the school. He’d later return to DI, this time with Maryland. There he played well and earned high praise for his success.
The DL has some versatility to play both interior and edge, but he’d be much more suited on the interior. If Cowart can get coaching and development from Belichick and assistant/former Arkansas HC Bret Bielema, maybe he can re-capture that potential. It’s a project. If it doesn’t work out, then oh well. But, there could be a big reward if it does.
Round 5, Pick 163: Jake Bailey (P) – Stanford
Hey! The Patriots drafted a punter. WAIT. HE KICKS WITH HIS RIGHT FOOT? WHAT? BLASPHEMY.
Bailey led the Pac-12 in punt yards the last two seasons. He has an incredible leg and the ability to kickoff if needed. While the Patriots re-signed Ryan Allen to a one-year deal this offseason, there’s no guarantee he makes the roster. On the other hand, most fans will remember Super Bowl 53 as one of his best performances.
If you were to ask me, I think last year would’ve been Allen’s final one with New England if Buffalo hadn’t taken Corey Bojorquez off New England’s practice squad. Allen and Bailey will battle it out in camp for the job. If they feel Bailey can make an impact in the future, they may try to sneak him on the practice squad.
Round 7, Pick 252: Ken Webster (CB) – Ole Miss
Webster was a four-star recruit coming out of high school and started off on the right foot at Ole Miss. His last two seasons, however, left more to be desired. He’s strong, but his coverage skills are lacking. Some believe he’d be better suited to transition to a hybrid-LB/S.
If he makes the team, it’ll be as depth/special teams. He’ll be battling it out with players like Keion Crossen and Obi Melifonwu.
Overall draft grade: B
This class has a lot of talent. A couple of guys (likely Harry and Williams) will get real opportunities this year. Others like Cajuste (if healthy), Harris, and Winovich may play more sparingly and be future contributors. Froholdt, Cowart, and Webster will likely be depth if they make the team at all. Stidham and Bailey have a wide array of options. Bailey could start, be cut, or make the practice squad. I think Stidham is most likely on the team because he won’t make it to the practice squad. However, the Patriots could try to red-shirt him for the year with an injury. They’ve been known to do that.
I also find it interesting that New England didn’t address the TE position, arguably their biggest need. Maybe they know something we don’t.