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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SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 07: Irv Smith Jr. #82 of the Alabama Crimson Tide carries the ball against the Clemson Tigers in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi’s Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

1. Irv Smith, Jr.

The Patriots have a long-standing history of mining Alabama for talent. They also have a huge hole to fill at tight end. The Crimson Tide just so happen to have a tight end who projects to go right around this spot in the draft.

Sometimes it pays to pick the simple option. That’s exactly what projecting Smith to New England is. He’s not going to turn into the next Gronk, but he projects as an above average starter with an offense like the Patriots. If Smith is still on the board, expect Belichick to pull the trigger on another prospect from his favorite college program.

Smith is particularly appealing to the Patriots because of how balanced he is as a prospect. He’s not a great blocker, but he’s already pretty good at helping the run game. With a little NFL coaching he easily projects as a plus run blocker.

Next. Patriots want to draft Tom Brady's successor this year. dark

In the pass game, he already shows the ability to run away from opposing defenders. Smith even has some quality moves after the catch. He can step right in and be a big weapon early in his career for Brady.

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