New England Patriots: Seven 2019 NFL Draft predictions
By Hal Bent
The Patriots DO NOT draft any LBs or DBs until Round 7
I stopped counting all the mock drafts with the Patriots linked to a cornerback or a safety in the first round of the NFL Draft. Somehow, I just do not see how the Patriots spend a high draft pick at a position where they hit a grand slam just two years ago in free agency (Stephon Gilmore), a home run via trade (Jason McCourty), a triple at least via undrafted free agency (J.C. Jackson), and singles/doubles in the form of quality depth like Jonathan Jones, 2018 second-round draft pick Duke Dawson, and Keion Crossen.
The Patriots also have three starting-quality safeties already in Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung, and Duron Harmon. Jonathan Jones stepped in at safety in the Super Bowl and played well when Chung went down, so he’s also a potential piece in that role for the future. In addition, they still have the intriguing Obi Melifonwu, who may have a bigger role with a full offseason and training camp under his belt.
Linebacker has not been as prevalent as secondary in mock drafts, but it’s still often cited as a need as well. And yet the Patriots are fairly deep there as well. Playing in the nickel or dime with just two linebackers on the field anywhere from 67-to-75% of the time, the Patriots do not need a ton of depth at the position truthfully.
New England is currently set with Kyle Van Noy and Dont’a Hightower, a dynamic one-two punch. Don’t forget: Ja’Whaun Bentley also looked like a budding star before tearing his biceps in Week 3 last year. Redshirted linebacker Christian Sam will have a chance to fight for a roster spot too, and Elandon Roberts took a big step forward with more consistent play last season.
With the depth at these positions, taking a safety, cornerback, or linebacker before the last round is a mistake.