Mike Mavredakis
New Member
The 2019 NFL Draft is upon us. That being said, let us look at what the New England Patriots may do on days 1-3 of the draft. Overall there are some glaring needs with the losses of tight end Rob Gronkowski as well as many other important pieces to free agency. They are holding 12 picks coming into draft day but there is little chance they will make all 12 picks, so look for Bill Belichick to move some pieces around.
The Patriots closed their season hoisting a, now dented, Lombardi Trophy for the sixth time. The Tom Brady and Belichick era is likely coming to a close within the next few years, so it is time to really look toward the future. They started the process last year by grabbing Sony Michel and Isaiah Wynn in the first-round last season.
No. 21: Wide Receiver D.K. Metcalf, Mississippi
Seattle Seahawks get: No. 56 pick, No. 97, No. 101, No. 243 and Patriots 2020 3rd round pick
New England Patriots get: No. 21 pick
The Seahawks have just three non-first-round picks in this draft, so they will likely entertain moving down in order to stock up for the rest of the draft. The Patriots have a wealth of mid-to-late round picks to motivate a move down for Seattle. Pro-football-reference.com's draft value chart has assigned this pick a value of 800, the combined return from New England projects to be in the 670-680 range. While the return is slightly less than value, the Seahawks need volume to work with and this move does that for them.
In the event that Metcalf slips, the Patriots should capitalize on Seattle's low draft capital. He is a physical specimen at 6-foot-3 and 228 pounds, blazing fast with his 4.33 40-yard and gives New England something they are currently lacking: an outside threat receiver. Yes they just picked up WR Demaryius Thomas, but he is coming off a second Achilles tendon injury and is going into his age-32 season. Last season Thomas had just one game with more than 100 yards receiving between his time in Denver and Houston. WR Josh Gordon also signed his restricted free-agent tender Tuesday, but he is currently suspended indefinitely under the NFL's substance abuse policy. New England is set in the slot, with Julian Edelman returning, so standing by until No. 32 to get A.J. Brown does not do them any good.
Click here for: D.K. Metcalf combine footage
No. 32: Traded to San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers get: No. 32 pick
New England Patriots get: No. 36 pick and 49ers 2020 4th round pick
For New England, this move would bring likely back a fourth-round pick to help supplement the third rounder they gave the Seahawks by jumping back just a few spots. They have already grabbed their receiver at No. 21, so staying pat at No. 32 makes little sense when they will likely still have their option at No. 36. For San Francisco, this move allows them to leap frog the Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts, and Oakland Raiders to grab a wideout like Brown or Harry. The 49ers current receiving core of Marquise Goodwin, Dante Pettis and Trent Taylor leaves much to be desired.
No. 36: Offensive Tackle Greg Little, Mississippi
The Patriots lost two tackles to free agency as LaAdrian Waddle and Trent Brown parted with the Super Bowl champions. While they are picking up the rookie season of Isaiah Wynn, who was hurt after getting picked at No. 21 in last year's draft, they could use some insurance to solidify their line.
Here Little would partner with Ole Miss teammate D.K. Metcalf and arguably the best offensive line coach in the game, Dante Scarnecchia. While his combine numbers do not jump off the page, he has tight footwork and agility. Little can handle blind side rushes from linebackers, ends and tackles. He needs to work on his quickness and add some size to his upper-half, but he should be a starter in the years to come.
No. 64: Quarterback Will Grier, West Virginia
Current QB Tom Brady is going to be 42 years old this season and his contract runs out after this season. While he may keep saying he is going to play until he is 45, this very well could be his last year in the NFL. That means that New England should be looking for their QB of the future. Many thought that could be now 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo, but Belichick sent him away a couple years ago. That being said, enter West Virginia product Will Grier.
Grier, older brother of famous former Vine talents Nash and Hayes Grier, has been heavily linked to New England in the past few days. Yahoo Sports' Nick Goss reported Monday that the Patriots have shown "a ton of interest" in Grier. While they reported that he may go in the late-first round, I do not see New England reaching for him. If he falls to them to close out round two, they may pounce on him.
In his time at West Virginia, as seen in the video above, he often went to his first option. However, he has demonstrated an ability to extend plays if necessary and make accurate throws down field. The biggest harp on his throwing motion is the lack of engagement of his hips, leading to less perceived zip on the football. The coaching staff in New England as well as a year under Brady should help him correct this slight issue.
No. 73: Defensive End/Line Charles Omenihu, Texas
With the loss of DE Trey Flowers to the Detroit Lions in free agency, New England is again lacking on the edge. There are many talented defensive ends in this draft, but there is a disconnect after the first-round talents. Omenihu is in the third-tier of edge options in this draft, but he had a solid combine and could be useful either on the edge or the interior. With the loss of Malcolm Brown in free agency, the versatility Omenihu could bring would be vital.
All of his recorded scores were near the top-end range for a defensive lineman, but as an edge guy they were mid-range. His 36.5-inch vertical leap and long arms may lead to some batted passes at the line. Last year he led the Texas Longhorns in sacks with 9.5 and averaged 1.3 tackles for a loss per game.
No. 134: Tight End Kahale Warring, San Diego State
The loss of Rob Gronkowski is huge and needs to be addressed, however tight end is a deep position in this year’s draft. Why reach for Irv Smith in the high-2nd round when you can potentially get Warring in the 5th? Warring has size, he is 6-foot-5 and 252 pounds, and speed, as he ran a 4.67 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.
Gronkowski is irreplaceable, he is a legend on and off the field. Trying to force a tight end in the early rounds, when the right one may not be available without giving up a boatload of assets, could be a glaring mistake. Warring is still relatively new to football, having played just his senior year in high school, so he still has room to grow. New England could be the perfect place for him, considering his athletic potential.
No. 205: Wide Receiver Stanley Morgan Jr., Nebraska
As the draft dwindles down into day 3, Belichick may look for projects that could shine in their system. Stanley is not a receiver that is going to wow you with an insane burst, but his shiftiness seems like a signature Belichick offensive weapon. He has demonstrated an ability to make plays in traffic and create yards after the catch. Not only can he line up on the outside for New England, but he can also help in the return game as he returned 14 kickoffs in 2016 for the Huskers, averaging 23.1 yards per return.
No. 239: Defensive End Justin Hollins, Oregon
To close out the 2019 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots could look to add another edge rusher on top of Michael Bennett and Charles Omenihu. Hollins is a speed rusher who needs to work on his strength and upper-body moves. There are questions about his effort and aggression throughout the game. If he can correct that, he may soar under the Patriots system. However, if he cannot get his motor right, he may need to start up his engine and hit the road to look for a new job.
No. 246: Traded to Carolina Panthers
Carolina Panthers get: No. 246 pick and No. 252 pick
New England Patriots get: conditional 2021 6th round pick
Bill Belichick would have already made seven picks in this draft, so he moves these two low-7th round picks to Carolina for a bit of value in 2021. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels may be head coach in New England by 2021, and with this move Belichick sets him up nicely to have a little extra capital in the bank. Belichick is a gold card holding member of the post-draft free agency club, so there is little need to make more than one pick in round seven.
Carolina is without their 2019 7th round pick after a trade with the Buffalo Bills back in 2017. The Panthers could take a couple late round fliers on offensive line or secondary help.
Follow me on Twitter for more: @mmavredakis
The Patriots closed their season hoisting a, now dented, Lombardi Trophy for the sixth time. The Tom Brady and Belichick era is likely coming to a close within the next few years, so it is time to really look toward the future. They started the process last year by grabbing Sony Michel and Isaiah Wynn in the first-round last season.
No. 21: Wide Receiver D.K. Metcalf, Mississippi
Seattle Seahawks get: No. 56 pick, No. 97, No. 101, No. 243 and Patriots 2020 3rd round pick
New England Patriots get: No. 21 pick
The Seahawks have just three non-first-round picks in this draft, so they will likely entertain moving down in order to stock up for the rest of the draft. The Patriots have a wealth of mid-to-late round picks to motivate a move down for Seattle. Pro-football-reference.com's draft value chart has assigned this pick a value of 800, the combined return from New England projects to be in the 670-680 range. While the return is slightly less than value, the Seahawks need volume to work with and this move does that for them.
In the event that Metcalf slips, the Patriots should capitalize on Seattle's low draft capital. He is a physical specimen at 6-foot-3 and 228 pounds, blazing fast with his 4.33 40-yard and gives New England something they are currently lacking: an outside threat receiver. Yes they just picked up WR Demaryius Thomas, but he is coming off a second Achilles tendon injury and is going into his age-32 season. Last season Thomas had just one game with more than 100 yards receiving between his time in Denver and Houston. WR Josh Gordon also signed his restricted free-agent tender Tuesday, but he is currently suspended indefinitely under the NFL's substance abuse policy. New England is set in the slot, with Julian Edelman returning, so standing by until No. 32 to get A.J. Brown does not do them any good.
Click here for: D.K. Metcalf combine footage
No. 32: Traded to San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers get: No. 32 pick
New England Patriots get: No. 36 pick and 49ers 2020 4th round pick
For New England, this move would bring likely back a fourth-round pick to help supplement the third rounder they gave the Seahawks by jumping back just a few spots. They have already grabbed their receiver at No. 21, so staying pat at No. 32 makes little sense when they will likely still have their option at No. 36. For San Francisco, this move allows them to leap frog the Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts, and Oakland Raiders to grab a wideout like Brown or Harry. The 49ers current receiving core of Marquise Goodwin, Dante Pettis and Trent Taylor leaves much to be desired.
No. 36: Offensive Tackle Greg Little, Mississippi
The Patriots lost two tackles to free agency as LaAdrian Waddle and Trent Brown parted with the Super Bowl champions. While they are picking up the rookie season of Isaiah Wynn, who was hurt after getting picked at No. 21 in last year's draft, they could use some insurance to solidify their line.
Here Little would partner with Ole Miss teammate D.K. Metcalf and arguably the best offensive line coach in the game, Dante Scarnecchia. While his combine numbers do not jump off the page, he has tight footwork and agility. Little can handle blind side rushes from linebackers, ends and tackles. He needs to work on his quickness and add some size to his upper-half, but he should be a starter in the years to come.
No. 64: Quarterback Will Grier, West Virginia
Current QB Tom Brady is going to be 42 years old this season and his contract runs out after this season. While he may keep saying he is going to play until he is 45, this very well could be his last year in the NFL. That means that New England should be looking for their QB of the future. Many thought that could be now 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo, but Belichick sent him away a couple years ago. That being said, enter West Virginia product Will Grier.
Grier, older brother of famous former Vine talents Nash and Hayes Grier, has been heavily linked to New England in the past few days. Yahoo Sports' Nick Goss reported Monday that the Patriots have shown "a ton of interest" in Grier. While they reported that he may go in the late-first round, I do not see New England reaching for him. If he falls to them to close out round two, they may pounce on him.
In his time at West Virginia, as seen in the video above, he often went to his first option. However, he has demonstrated an ability to extend plays if necessary and make accurate throws down field. The biggest harp on his throwing motion is the lack of engagement of his hips, leading to less perceived zip on the football. The coaching staff in New England as well as a year under Brady should help him correct this slight issue.
No. 73: Defensive End/Line Charles Omenihu, Texas
With the loss of DE Trey Flowers to the Detroit Lions in free agency, New England is again lacking on the edge. There are many talented defensive ends in this draft, but there is a disconnect after the first-round talents. Omenihu is in the third-tier of edge options in this draft, but he had a solid combine and could be useful either on the edge or the interior. With the loss of Malcolm Brown in free agency, the versatility Omenihu could bring would be vital.
All of his recorded scores were near the top-end range for a defensive lineman, but as an edge guy they were mid-range. His 36.5-inch vertical leap and long arms may lead to some batted passes at the line. Last year he led the Texas Longhorns in sacks with 9.5 and averaged 1.3 tackles for a loss per game.
No. 134: Tight End Kahale Warring, San Diego State
The loss of Rob Gronkowski is huge and needs to be addressed, however tight end is a deep position in this year’s draft. Why reach for Irv Smith in the high-2nd round when you can potentially get Warring in the 5th? Warring has size, he is 6-foot-5 and 252 pounds, and speed, as he ran a 4.67 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.
Gronkowski is irreplaceable, he is a legend on and off the field. Trying to force a tight end in the early rounds, when the right one may not be available without giving up a boatload of assets, could be a glaring mistake. Warring is still relatively new to football, having played just his senior year in high school, so he still has room to grow. New England could be the perfect place for him, considering his athletic potential.
No. 205: Wide Receiver Stanley Morgan Jr., Nebraska
As the draft dwindles down into day 3, Belichick may look for projects that could shine in their system. Stanley is not a receiver that is going to wow you with an insane burst, but his shiftiness seems like a signature Belichick offensive weapon. He has demonstrated an ability to make plays in traffic and create yards after the catch. Not only can he line up on the outside for New England, but he can also help in the return game as he returned 14 kickoffs in 2016 for the Huskers, averaging 23.1 yards per return.
No. 239: Defensive End Justin Hollins, Oregon
To close out the 2019 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots could look to add another edge rusher on top of Michael Bennett and Charles Omenihu. Hollins is a speed rusher who needs to work on his strength and upper-body moves. There are questions about his effort and aggression throughout the game. If he can correct that, he may soar under the Patriots system. However, if he cannot get his motor right, he may need to start up his engine and hit the road to look for a new job.
No. 246: Traded to Carolina Panthers
Carolina Panthers get: No. 246 pick and No. 252 pick
New England Patriots get: conditional 2021 6th round pick
Bill Belichick would have already made seven picks in this draft, so he moves these two low-7th round picks to Carolina for a bit of value in 2021. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels may be head coach in New England by 2021, and with this move Belichick sets him up nicely to have a little extra capital in the bank. Belichick is a gold card holding member of the post-draft free agency club, so there is little need to make more than one pick in round seven.
Carolina is without their 2019 7th round pick after a trade with the Buffalo Bills back in 2017. The Panthers could take a couple late round fliers on offensive line or secondary help.
Follow me on Twitter for more: @mmavredakis