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5 bold predictions for Patriots in 2019

By Rucker Haringey

FOXBOROUGH, MA - MAY 23: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks on during New England Patriots offseason organized team activities at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA on May 23, 2019. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - MAY 23: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks on during New England Patriots offseason organized team activities at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA on May 23, 2019. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /
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FOXBOROUGH, MA – MAY 23: New England Patriots wide receiver N’Keal Harry (50) makes a reception during New England Patriots offseason organized team activities at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA on May 23, 2019. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA – MAY 23: New England Patriots wide receiver N’Keal Harry (50) makes a reception during New England Patriots offseason organized team activities at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA on May 23, 2019. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /

4. N’Keal Harry will move to jumbo tight end

There’s a lot for the Patriots to figure out in their receiving corps in 2019. The departure of Rob Gronkowski leaves a huge void in Brady’s passing attack. Outside of Julian Edelman, there are more question marks than certainties at wide receiver for New England.

As a result, it didn’t surprise anyone when the Patriots opted for a big-bodied receiver in the first round of April’s draft. Harry didn’t create a ton of separation on tape during his collegiate career, but he showcased a terrific ability to make catches in traffic. Brady is a quarterback who excels at throwing receivers open.

Most prognosticators have Harry penciled in the starting lineup on the outside opposite Edelman. His lack of speed is going to be a problem if he’s asked to go against top-quality cornerbacks in the NFL. Instead, look for Belichick to use Harry in a slightly different manner.

He’s an ideal player to deploy as a jumbo tight end/slot receiver. He’s not going to make anyone in Foxborough forget about Gronkowski, but he can serve to be a match-up nightmare in his own right. Harry is still going to be a big part of this offense, but he can be much more productive running routes against linebackers and safeties in his rookie season. Look for the former Arizona State star to get a lot of snaps at tight end in passing situations.

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