Draft Preview: Will Patriots set a precedent and take a receiver?

Bill Belichick has been running the show in Foxboro since 2000.

In that time, the coach has drafted hundreds of players and there has been a lot of success. Whether it be late-round surprises like Tom Brady and Julian Edelman or first-rounders like Sony Michel, all have helped the Patriots win.

But there’s one position that Belichick has struggled to fill in the draft — receiver.

In the last 19 years, Belichick and the Patriots have drafted 16 [...]

Bill Belichick has been running the show in Foxboro since 2000.

In that time, the coach has drafted hundreds of players and there has been a lot of success. Whether it be late-round surprises like Tom Brady and Julian Edelman or first-rounders like Sony Michel, all have helped the Patriots win.

But there’s one position that Belichick has struggled to fill in the draft — receiver.

In the last 19 years, Belichick and the Patriots have drafted 16 wideouts but not one of them came in the first round. They haven’t drafted a receiver in the first three rounds since 2013. If there’s a time to change that and roll the dice, it could be now.

In our second mock draft, we do the unthinkable while loading up on both sides of the ball. Here’s another look at what the Patriots could do in the 2019 NFL Draft:

First round, pick 32: A.J. Brown, receiver, Ole Miss

Brown can play in the slot and outside the numbers. This 6-foot, 226-pound receiver is a good route runner and has good hands. Brown looks like a solid fit for Tom Brady and the Patriots. He met with the Pats at his Pro Day.

Second round, pick 56: Kaleb McGary, tackle, Washington

McGary would give the Patriots great depth at tackle and has the potential to be a future starter. He’s 6-foot-7 with most of his experience coming at right tackle, but athletic enough to play left. He met with the Pats at his Pro Day and had a pre-draft visit.

Second round, pick 64: Jace Sternberger, tight end, Texas A&M

Sternberger plays like a big receiver. At 6-foot-4, he’s a huge target with solid hands. He needs to work on his blocking, but he would probably start immediately. He met with the Patriots at the NFL Combine and had a visit.

Third round, pick 73: Armani Hooker, safety, Iowa

Hooker was the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year playing a safety/linebacker hybrid position. He made four interceptions last season. His athletic traits make him a prototypical Patriots fit. The Pats were at his Pro Day.

Third round, pick 97: Kingsley Keke, defensive lineman, Texas A&M

Keke played defensive tackle in college, but at 6-foot-3, 288 pounds he’ll bring versatility to play on the edge as well. He made seven sacks last year. Keke had a private workout and a visit with the Patriots.

Third round, pick 101: Mecole Hardman, receiver, Georgia

Hardman would give the Patriots a talented punt and kickoff returner. He’s new to the receiver position so he’ll need to develop there. He’s 5-foot-10, ran a 4.33 40-yard dash at Combine, and can play inside or outside the numbers. Hardman visited the Patriots this month.

Fourth round, pick 134: Ben Banogu, edge rusher, TCU

Banogu is a 6-foot-3, 250-pound edge rusher. He’s raw, but very athletic and could help as a situational pass-rusher immediately. He met with the Pats at the Senior Bowl and had a private workout.

Sixth round, pick 205: Elijah Holyfield, running back, Georgia

Evander Holyfield’s son, this Georgia Bulldog would give the Patriots a backup between-the-tackles runner. A team captain, Holyfield ran for 1,018 yards with seven touchdowns last season. Belichick was at Georgia’s Pro Day.

Seventh round, pick 239: Cody Barton, linebacker, Utah

Barton has the versatility to play inside or outside linebacker. He finished with 116 tackles, four sacks and seven deflections last year. He’s outstanding athlete, who also profiles as a core special-teamer. Barton is also a captain and leader, lauded for his work ethic.

Seventh round, pick 243: Ken Webster, cornerback, Ole Miss

Webster stands 5-foot-11 and has had an up and down career at Ole Miss. However, he hits most athletic traits that the Patriots look for in a corner. Last season, he led Mississippi with two interceptions and six pass breakups.

Seventh round, pick 246: Taylor Cornelius, quarterback, Oklahoma State

Cornelius (6-5, 242 pounds) hits all athletic measurements the Patriots look for. A walk-on turned captain. He started one year at Oklahoma, throwing 3,978 yards and 32 touchdowns. Patriots were at his Pro Day.

Seventh round, pick 252: Greg Gaines, defensive tackle, Washington

Gaines is a 6-foot-1, 312-pound tackle who will provide depth on the defensive line. He’s a high-motor player who had a solid career at Washington. He had an informal meeting with the Pats at the Combine.