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New England Patriots 2019 NFL Draft: Grading all 10 selections

By Xaiver Aguiar

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: A video board displays an image of N'keal Harry of Arizona State after he was chosen #32 overall by the New England Patriots during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: A video board displays an image of N'keal Harry of Arizona State after he was chosen #32 overall by the New England Patriots during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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TEMPE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 09: Wide receiver N’Keal Harry #1 (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TEMPE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 09: Wide receiver N’Keal Harry #1 (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Pick No. 32- N’Keal Harry (WR) Arizona State. Grade: B

When Goodell first announced the selection of N’Keal Harry, I was ecstatic. For quite a while now I have been critical of the lack of investment the New England Patriots have made in the wide receiver position.

I love Julian Edelman like the rest of Pats nation, however, it is clear he has limitations. Due to Josh Gordon’s off the field issues and Chris Hogan’s departure, the WR room was looking as thin as ever. Snagging a WR was necessary, so for that, you have to credit the team for filling a need.

I had around 1 grade on Harry prior to the draft, and he was tied with D.K. Metcalf for my WR3 behind A.J. Brown and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown respectively.

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The small issue I now have with the pick is that it was clear throughout the rest of the draft that teams were not putting a premium on WR’s. Hollywood went 25th to the Ravens but after Harry, only two receivers were selected in the next 24 picks where one of the original New England Patriots second-round picks resided at No.56.

The New England Patriots realistically could have taken a higher rated corner than Joejuan Williams (their next selection) such as Byron Murphy, moved up a few spots from pick 56 to select A.J. Brown, and realistically keep their other second-round pick at 64 or again trade it to Seattle. It feels as though they did not maximize the best potential draft picks they had.

Harry is excellent due to his size and stature and catches balls like has glue for hands. His route running is superb, and he can overpower smaller defensive backs at the line.

The main issue he faced while time as a Sun Devil was creating separation. I do like his game, but probably not enough to take him when we selected him. I don’t think it is a terrible reach, so B is sufficient.

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