New England Patriots: Seven 2019 NFL Draft predictions
By Hal Bent
The Patriots DO draft three defensive linemen
There is so much talent on the defensive line – among big bodies in the middle at defensive tackle, and among pass rushers coming from the edge – that the Patriots are fortunate their position of need has so many alluring options available to them in the 2019 NFL Draft.
The options at the top of the list will likely be gone by the time the team chooses at No. 32 overall, but there are still high-level players at the top of the draft that could fall as low as the third and fourth rounds of the draft, depending on how desperate other franchises get with overvalued positions (quarterbacks, receivers, cornerbacks, etc). With six picks in the first 101 selections of the draft, the Patriots should be able to get an edge rusher and defensive tackle ready to contribute in Year One.
In addition to adding a player at each defensive line spot, expect the Patriots to double up at one of the positions… if not both. If New England snags two of the second-tier of edge rushers, such as Joe Jackson, Jachai Polite, Ben Banogu, Chase Winovich, or Shareef Miller, they could infuse a position of need with two athletic talents for 2019 and beyond.
Ditto at defensive tackle, where they may not get a shot at the top-tier tackles. However, a couple of second-tier prospects like Jeffery Simmons, Daniel Wise, Gerald Willis, Khalen Saunders, Isaiah Buggs, Greg Gaines, and Renell Wren could be part of a future defensive front for the next four to five years.
With a deep talent pool and a real need on the defensive line, expect the Patriots to double-dip and come out with at least three defensive linemen ready to start contributing in 2019.