New England Patriots: Seven-round 2019 NFL Mock Draft

Round 2, Pick 64: Chase Winovich, DE, Michigan

Whether it’s because of his physical style of play flying off the edge, or it’s because of his long free-flowing blonde hair, Chase Winovich very much resembles a young Clay Matthews. The two players both excelled for blue-blood college football programs (Winovich at Michigan and Matthews at USC), and like Matthews before him, Winovich stands a real chance at getting drafted in the first two rounds.

The Patriots should hope he falls to them at No. 64. Especially after losing multi-dimensional edge rusher Trey Flowers to the Detroit Lions in free agency, New England has a very real and a very pressing need at defensive end. Thankfully for Belichick and the Patriots, Winovich just might be part of the solution to fix that problem before September rolls around.

Besides his top-line velocity, Winovich has one of the best motors in all of college football. This kid simply does not quit, shedding would-be blockers and tacklers like rag dolls as he powers his way to wherever the football carrier is. Woe to the quarterback or running back caught in his sights.

Twice Winovich earned First-team All-Big Ten honors, last year and in 2017, so it’s not as if his play hasn’t been recognized outside of Ann Arbor. Similar to Lawrence and Adderley, the biggest concern for the Patriots might be that Winovich isn’t still around when they pick next, so it’s up to Belichick and the rest of the New England brass to make sure they get their man.

Defensive lineman is a position of quality and depth in this year’s draft, which bodes well overall for the Patriots, who are in sore need of beefing up that area of their team in 2019.