2019 NFL Draft: 5 players Patriots could take in Round 1

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 09: Rob Gronkowski of the New England Patriots raises the Lombardi Trophy as he walks onto the field before the Red Sox home opening game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park on April 09, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 09: Rob Gronkowski of the New England Patriots raises the Lombardi Trophy as he walks onto the field before the Red Sox home opening game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park on April 09, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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MORGANTOWN, WV – NOVEMBER 23: Oklahoma Sooners Wide Receiver Marquise Brown (5) runs with the ball after a catch during the first half of the Oklahoma Sooners versus the West Virginia Mountaineers game on November 23, 2018, at the Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, WV. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
MORGANTOWN, WV – NOVEMBER 23: Oklahoma Sooners Wide Receiver Marquise Brown (5) runs with the ball after a catch during the first half of the Oklahoma Sooners versus the West Virginia Mountaineers game on November 23, 2018, at the Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, WV. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Marquise Brown

Kyler Murray had a massive year at Oklahoma, but the impact Brown had on the Sooners’ offense isn’t lost on NFL scouts. He’s definitely in consideration to be a late first round or early second round selection.

Detractors of Brown’s game simply think he’s too small to be effective. To that end, they point to his lack of durability in college. That’s certainly a valid concern.

However, there’s no denying just how good he can be when he’s healthy. Brown is an excellent route runner who uses his world-class speed to run away from quality defensive backs. He’s particularly adept at creating separation on the quick, timing routes that the Patriots lean on.

Brown might be a little too similar to Edelman for the Patriots liking, but his explosive speed makes him a guy who can add a new element to Belichick’s offense. It might be time for New England to add a true burner to their offensive arsenal.