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) /

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TEMPE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 01: Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver N’Keal Harry (1) makes a one handed catch before the college football game between the UTSA Roadrunners and the Arizona State Sun Devils on Sep 1, 2018 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona.(Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. N’Keal Harry

Harry is a guy who really divides opinion among NFL scouts. Some guys see him as a big time playmaker who flashes the ability to make really tough catches in traffic when you watch his tape. Critics point out that he’s only forced to make those types of catches because of his inability to create separation.

No matter where you fall on Harry, it’s impossible to contend that he’s not a match-up problem for the opposition. He is a really competitive receiver who uses his 6-foot-2, 228 pound frame to punish opposing defenders. Harry might be a little too slow to be a No. 1 wide receiver, but the Patriots might not use him that way.

Imagine if Belichick decided to use Harry as more of a slot/tight end hybrid. Harry can’t exploit the deep third of the field like Gronkowski did, but he can become a nightmare match-up for slot corners or linebackers tasked with covering him. Don’t put it past the Patriots to see him for what he can be, rather than what he isn’t.

Most mocks have Harry going in Round 2, but there’s a real chance he goes off the board to New England at No. 32. He can’t replace Gronkowski, but he can give opposing defenses something else to worry about in that part of the field.

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