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1. Once the dust settled, the Patriots ended up making 10 selections in the NFL draft in 2019, including five of the 101 best. This means that they have acquired several players who have the potential to be first day contributors. That could have an impact on the current list, with some veterans potentially looking over their shoulder. N'Keal Harry and Joejuan Williams should not have too much impact, but Chase Winovich could do it. Winovich is a reaper, which means that Derek Rivers, Keionta Davis and Trent Harris are in no way locks to make the initial list. With his next selection, halfback Damien Harris on lap 3, Rex Burkhead is the player to watch. Although the team can keep its back, if Harris impresses in the spring and summer, and Burkhead continues to show his predisposition to injury, there is a chance that the Patriots can cut the bait at some point because they have a different depth in place last year. Then, with some choices later, Danny Etling should not feel too good after Jarrett Stidham's pick. Both are development, and as the team uses a fourth-round pick on Stidham, unless it's an absolute disaster, it should stick around. At this point, Etling serves no purpose unless the organization does not feel comfortable with replacing Brian Hoyer. like backup, which is a long shot. Finally, a punter – Jake Bailey of Stanford – was selected in the fifth round and it is not great for Ryan Allen, who signed a contract for one year only for the off season. His dead ceiling is only $ 100,000. So, if Bailey's had a great summer, it's perfectly realistic to say that Allen's place is in danger.
2. That said, a few players on the roster should feel good after the draft, including wide receiver Braxton Berrios and some of the younger linebackers who did not have the chance to play last year due to injury. The Patriots have not drafted slot machines and, after not signing free agents, this suggests that the organization believes that Berrios has a real chance to make the lineup after spending last season on the injured reserve. Similarly, by not selecting a linebacker, we can say as much Ja'Whaun Bentley, Christian Sam and even Elandon Roberts to a certain extent. In the case of Bentley and Sam, this will be essentially their rookie season since they spent last year in RI.
3. Regarding the player selected during the weekend who will have the most impact as a rookie, it may not be one of their best choices. We really like Winovich and Harris, both selected in the third round. Winovich seems to be the perfect Patriot with his way of playing and could be a player who really helps to replace the void left by Trey Flowers. Harris might surprise some. He played behind a ton of big backs in Alabama, so he did not see as many litters as some of the other great running backs in the country. The lack of wear and tear of his body could be beneficial to him in the NFL. Although the position has a lot of depth, Burkhead and Sony Michel are both subject to injury. So do not be shocked to see Harris forced to act at one point and take full advantage of it.
4. In reviewing the list after the draft, there are still some needs, including a close finish, a tackle and a wide receiver. At his post-project press conference, Nick Caserio acknowledged that there would be another phase of team building over the next few weeks and that it would not be the all surprising to see veterans added to these positions, that it 's free agents or even Commerce. Of the three, the tight end seems to be the most pressing need, and one name that comes to my mind is Ben Watson.
5. One of the highlights of Stidham's conference call was his in-depth knowledge of the Patriots organization. He mentioned Robert Kraft, Bill Belichick, Josh McDaniels, Tom Brady, Hoyer and Etling, most of whom were mentioned during his visit to the top 30 in Foxboro. He was very outspoken and made an excellent first impression by ending the call by saying, "Great guys, I really appreciate it a lot." I can not wait to meet you and talk to you. meet you all individually.I'll really look forward to it. "
6. Life is really over. Stidham and Harris played youth football together in Kentucky and now they end up in the same team again in the NFL. "I was telling someone last night that we were playing Pee Wee football together when we were eight when we were in Kentucky," Stidham said. "So, I've known Damien since the beginning of my life, and we have definitely stayed in touch, and I've obviously played him over the past two years. It's funny, as soon as I get out of this call, I'm going to shout at him and tell him how excited I am to play with him again. Life is always complete and to start the first year of football with Damien and now we are both patriots of New England, it will be very fun. "
7. The first real opportunity to see the rookies, and all of the 2019 Patriots from elsewhere, will come to OTAs, which will kick off at the end of May. The first session to which the media will have access is May 23. The next access will be the mandatory minicamp scheduled for June 4-6 and then the final OTA session on June 10. Phase 2 of the volunteer training program beyond begins Monday, but the media are not present before the OTA.
Related: Nick Caserio reports on Patriots Day 3 selection
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