New England Patriots 2019 NFL Draft: Grading all 10 selections
Byron Cowart (DT) Maryland. Draft Grade: A-
Cowart entered the college scene as a 5-star recruit and the number one overall recruit. Of course, it didn’t work out in college, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have great tools to put it together at the next level.
He is the perfect size for the NFL, and at the combine measured with massive 34-inch arms. He is a solid bull rusher and never gives up on a play. Cowart has a really good upside.
Without question, this pick could be one of Bill’s diamond in the roughs before it is all said and done. At this time in the draft, you can’t help but love this kind of potential. Very solid pick.
New England Patriots
Jake Bailey (P) Stanford. Draft Grade: D
Trading up for a punter in the fifth round. This directly comes after Ryan Allen had an excellent season. There is no defending this and nothing more I can say about it. Incomprehensible.
Ken Webster (CB) Ole Miss. Draft Grade: B+
Webster played corner in college, but I think he could be a good hybrid safety or special teams ace at the next level. Webster ran a 4.43 at the combine in the 40, he was just extremely physical with receivers, which is something you always like to see. He also was a great tackler, so as I mentioned could be useful on kickoff.
Outside of that, Webster is very raw. He really isn’t that great in coverage, and after his injury in 2016 has clearly lost some of his ability. For a 7th round selection, he offers good upside, so I can’t hate on it at all. Good pick here.
Overall Draft Grade: B
I don’t hate this draft for the New England Patriots, but I can’t help but think they didn’t maximize the potential their insane draft capital could have allowed. The Winovich and lineman picks were amazing, but the Stidham, Jacobs, and Bailey picks left me scratching my head.
Next. Why Demaryius Thomas signing isn’t so exciting. dark
The players themselves, for the most part, offer solid talent, but I don’t know how many of them will truly make any kind of early impact outside of Harry and Winovich. Hopefully, I end up on “Freezing Cold Takes” for this one, but I simply believe this wasn’t as good of a draft for the Patriots as everyone is making it out to seem.