PatsPropaganda

An Independent Patriots Blog

Analysis

Where Are They Now? The 2019 Patriots Draft Class

by

Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Following the departure of former first-round pick N’Keal Harry on Tuesday, I’ve decided to take a look at what’s happened to every Patriots pick from the 2019 NFL Draft.

N’Keal Harry – First Round – Pick 32

N’Keal Harry was chosen with the final pick of the first round by the Patriots which led to much excitement and optimism in the fanbase. The excitement stemmed from the choice of a player in a key position to try and supplement Tom Brady’s desire to have weapons at his disposal.

Unfortunately, it was clear by the end of his second year with the team that he was not going to live up to his Draft position and drifted down the depth chart. Along with his lack of production and being prone to injury, the writing was on the wall for Harry and he was eventually traded last week to Chicago for a conditional seventh-round pick in the 2024 Draft.

In three seasons, Harry finished with 57 receptions – 598 Yards – 4 Touchdowns

Not that you need reminding, but the Pats took Harry above the following receivers in the class:

Deebo Samuel (R2/36) // A.J. Brown (R2/51) // Mecole Hardman (R2/56) // DK Metcalf (R2/64) // Diontae Johnson (R2/66) // Terry McLaurin (R3/76) // Hunter Renfrow (R5/149)
*Players in bold have been selected for the Pro Bowl

Joejuan Williams – Second Round – Pick 45

Joejuan Williams is another pick that has turned out to be a disappointment. Taken in the second round, the hope was for Williams to be a key contributor in the secondary, coming off a decent College career at Vanderbilt. In reality, he’s only been able to carve out a role on special teams and as a depth option at cornerback so far after three seasons in New England.

Like Harry, Williams could also be gone by the start of the 2022 season.

Chase Winovich – Third Round – Pick 77

Ah, what could have been.

Chase Winovich was an exciting pick out of Michigan and had a solid rookie year, recording 5.5 sacks and contributing on defense for a Patriots side that made it to a Wildcard matchup. His second year continued along the same lines, however, he managed to start 9/16 games, again recording 5.5 sacks, and looked to be establishing himself as a starter on defense.

Unfortunately, his third and final season on the team wasn’t great. Winovich didn’t manage to record a sack or start any of the limited 13 games he suited up for in a year that was hampered by injury and lack of favor with Bill Belichick.

Winovich was traded to Cleveland in exchange for LB Mack Wilson in March 2022.

Damien Harris – Third Round – Pick 87

After having a quiet rookie season that saw him touch the ball only four times, Harris became more involved in 2020, before taking the lead back role last year in 2021.

Harris is coming off a very productive campaign which saw him rush for 929 yards and 15 touchdowns during the regular season. With his rookie deal up at the end of this year, a decision will have to be made on his future.

With Rhamondre Stevenson on the roster and the Patriots taking two running backs in the 2022 Draft, it could be Harris’ final year in New England.

[Read more…] about Where Are They Now? The 2019 Patriots Draft Class

Patriots Draft Fits

by

Credit: SportingNews

With the 2022 NFL draft just days away lets take a look at a list of potential Patriots fits. Anything marked with an asterisk (*) is not only a fit, but should be on the big board.

WR

*Jahan Dotson – Penn State (Day 2)

*John Metchie – Alabama (Day 2)

Calvin Austin – Memphis (Day 3)

*George Pickens – Georgia (3rd-4th)

Alec Pierce – Cincy (3rd-4th)

*Kyle Phillips – UCLA (Day 3)

*Khalil Shakir – Boise State(Day 3)

Romeo Doubs – Nevada (Day 3)

*Jaquarri Roberson – Wake Forest (Day 3)

*Bo Melton – Rutgers (Day 3)

*Slade Bolden – Alabama (Day 3/UDFA)

OT

*Trevor Penning – Northern Iowa (1-2)

Daniel Faalele – Minnesota (Day 2)

Darian Kinnard – Kentucky (Day 2)

*Zach Tom – Wake Forest (Day 3)

Kellen Diesch – Arizona State (Day 3)

Dare Rosenthal – LSU (Day 3)

Tyler Vrabel – BC (Day 3)

*Vederian Lowe – Illinois (Day 3/UDFA)

CB

*Andrew Booth – Clemson (1)

*Kaiir Elam – Florida (1-2)

*Roger McCreary – Auburn (1-2)

*Coby Bryant – Cincy (Day 2)

Tariq Woolen – UTSA (Day 2)

*Cam Taylor Britt – Nebraska (Day 3)

*Zyon McCollum – Sam Houston (Day 3)

*Marcus Jones – Houston (Day 3)

*Josh Jobe – Alabama (Day 3)

Jack Jones – Arizona State (Day 3)

Jalyn Armour Davis – Alabama (Day 3)

Kyler McMichael – UNC (6-7)

LB

Nakobe Dean – Georgia (1)

*Christian Harris – Alabama (Day 2)

Brandon Smith – Penn State (Day 2)

*Brian Asamoah – Oklahoma (Day 2)

*Chad Muma – Wyoming (Day 2)

Leo Chenal – Wisconsin (Day2/3)

*Quay Walker – Georgia (Day 2)

*Troy Anderson – Montana State (Day 2/3)

*Channing Tindall – Georgia (Day 2)

Damone Clark – LSU (Day 3)

Mike Jones – LSU (Day 3)

*Micah McFadden – Indiana (Day 3)

OG

*Zion Johnson – BC (1)

*Andrew Stueber – Michigan (Day 2)

Ed Ingram – LSU (Day 2)

*Cole Strange – Chattanooga (Day 2/3)

*Dylan Parham – Memphis (Day 2/3)

**Jamaree Salyer – Georgia (Day 2/3)

*Ben Petrula – BC (7/UDFA)

*Alec Lindstrom – BC (Day3)

IDL

Jordan Davis – Georgia (1)

Devonte Wyatt – Georgia (1)

Perrion Winfrey – Oklahoma (Day2)

*Travis Jones – UConn (Day 2)

*Phidarian Mathis – Alabama (Day 2)

S

*Daxton Hill – Michigan (1/2)

Jaquan Brisker – Penn State (Day 2)

Lewis Cine – Georgia (Day 2)

DE

Jermaine Johnson – FSU (2)

Boye Mafe – Minnesota (2)

*Nik Bonitto – Oklahoma (Day 2)

Kingsley Enagbare – South Carolina (Day 2)

*Drake Jackson – USC (Day 2)

Josh Pascal – Kentucky (Day 2)

QB

Bailey Zappe – Western Kentucky (Day 3)

Jack Coan – Notre Dame (UDFA)

RB

Ty Chandler – UNC (Day 3)

*Hassan Haskins – Michigan (Day 3)

*Kyren Williams – Notre Dame (Day 3)

*James Cook – Georgia (Day 3)

Sincere McCormick – UTSA (Day 3)

*Brian Robinson – Alabama (Day 3)

Tyler Badie – Missouri (Day 3)

Jerrion Ealy – Ole Miss (7/UDFA)

Tight End

Trae Barry – BC (UDFA)

Chigoziem Okonkwo – Maryland (6-7)

Other/Late Flyer/UDFA

Matt Araiza – SDSU Punter (6-7)

Connor Heyward – Michigan State FB/TE (7)

Britain Covey – Utah WR (7-UDFA)

Bubba Bolden – Miami Safety (Day 3)

CJ Verdell – Oregon RB (7/UDFA)

Steven Gilmore – Marshall CB stephon’s brother (Late Day 3)

Josh Sills – Okla State IOL (Day 3)

Josh Ross – Michigan LB (Day 3)

Trestan Ebner – Baylor RB (UDFA)

EJ Perry – Brown QB (UDFA)

Coby Tippett – URI CB (UDFA)

Jared Bernhardt – Ferris St QB (UDFA)

James Houston – Jackson St Edge (7-UDFA)

Josh Onujiogu – Framingham St. Edge (UDFA)

Four Great Patriots Draft Picks From the Belichick Era

by

When it comes to the Pats, Bill Belichick, and the draft, the one name that
immediately springs to mind is Tom Brady. It’s impossible to ignore the impact
of the greatest quarterback that the game has ever seen. However, what
others may not know is that there have been many other notable draft picks
brought in during the era of the 69-year-old head coach.

Today, that’s where we’re going to focus our gaze as we take a look at some
of the players who have been helped to greatness by the six-time Super Bowl-
winning head coach.

Richard Seymour

Seymour was drafted to the Pats in 2001 after a successful college spell with the University of Georgia, where he starred alongside another future Patriot in Johnathan Sullivan. Coming in as the highest first-round pick in the era of Belichick, he went on to become one of the most reliable players in a seven-year stint in Foxborough. After winning three Super Bowl titles with New England, he went on to further personal success with the Oakland Raiders, after being selected for the Pro Bowl twice in his final three seasons before retirement. His status as a legend of the game was further sealed when he was recently inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame.

Rob Gronkowski

It has to be said the draft-day deal with the Oakland Raiders, which allowed the Pats to bring in Gronk, turned out to be one of the best in franchise history. From the moment he stepped into the building, he made an impact, scoring four touchdowns in pre-season before winning three Super Bowl rings with the Pats in eight years. After announcing his retirement in 2018, it was somewhat surprising to see him return to action with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers over a year later. But linking up with his former colleague, Brady, has proved to be a masterstroke. Gronkowski won a fourth championship in 2021, and many thought they could repeat the feat this year. However, they couldn’t overcome the challenge of the L.A. Rams in the playoffs. It’s quite a measure of the Bucs strength that only now do The Rams find themselves the favorites for the title in the latest Super Bowl odds from Ladbrokes, with Gronkowski and Brady out of the picture. That will come as little solace for Gronkowski who’s been a player synonymous with victory for over a decade.

While it’s been tough to see him go to further successes away from New England, you can’t deny that Gronk is one of the best players of his era, one of the best players the Patriots have had, and as ESPN cites him, one of the best tight ends in the history of the NFL.

Stephen Gostkowski

Arguably, the stage was set for Gostkowski to become a star from a young age. He excelled in soccer, football, and baseball before stepping up as a potential future NFL legend in college with the Memphis Tigers. His performances with the Tigers set him up perfectly to replace the legendary Adam Vinatieri. He was thrust straight in during his rookie season and showed steely nerves even at such a young age. In a 13-year stint with the Pats, becoming the all-time leader in franchise history and holds the record for the most consecutive successful extra-point attempts in the NFL.

Jamie Collins

The outside linebacker wasn’t a star in the mold of those we’ve already mentioned, but he was no less vital to the Pats in the road to winning Super Bowl XLIX. He had a slow start to his career in Foxborough, starting as a backup to Dont’a Hightower and Jerod Mayo, but his determination shone through, and within a year, he was in the starting lineup. Collins had his best season, recording over 115 tackles, four sacks, four fumbles, and two interceptions in 15 starts in the season running up to the Super Bowl win. He’s now in his third spell with the Pats after returning from the Lions. Upon his return to Massachusetts in 2021, Collins proved he’d lost none of his defensive awareness when he sacked Texan’s quarterback Davis Mills in the victory in Houston earlier in the season.

Patriots Ups & Downs Wildcard Weekend

by

Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images

What a crushing way to end the season, just crushing. The Patriots fell 47-17 in Buffalo last night, being completely overpowered by the divisional champions. For the final time this season, here are your Ups & Downs.

Ups ⬆️

Mac Jones

I came away from the game feeling better about Mac Jones. Sure, he didn’t play great, but for me he was an up overall on the night. He was one of the few players who was fighting until the very end, which is frankly embarrassing that your rookie quarterback is setting the tone.

On the field he did make some really good plays, and found the endzone a couple of times when the game was finished, again, it felt like only him and Kendrick Bourne were still trying. I think the team needs to get him a real WR1 threat, Agholor just isn’t that.

Not dismissing his mistakes, but, I think he will take a lot away from this game and will fuel a fire under him into the off-season.

Kendrick Bourne

I think we’ve come to find that Kenrick Bourne can be a real complimentary piece to the offense moving forward. Bourne caught two touchdown passes, albeit once the game was effectively over, but, it’s carried on a trend from the season of his good productivity. Bourne is an up.

Downs ⬇️

The Secondary

The defense was terrible all game, and I’m really concerned about how the team will rebuild a secondary unit that gave up five touchdown passes in a complete mis-match with the Bills.

I can honestly say that I never felt like the unit was going to find a turnover or force a punt with coverage.

The off-season will be intriguing to see where Bill goes with this unit and the defense overall, but last night they were just bad.

Matthew Judon

Judon has been a shell of himself since the bye, I can’t recall him forcing any pressure on the opposing QB which as harsh as it may sound, is not good enough.

He came out of the blocks with blistering pace, potentially on course to break the Patriots season sack record, but something changed with him during the week off, and it’s played a part, like last night in not making it hard enough for the enemy signal caller.

A Final Note

I’m just going to leave the downs there, I could go on about all of the mistakes, bad play calls, but we know what happened out there.

There is going to be lots of movement in the next few months that will re-shape this roster, especially on defense. But just from a personal note, I wanted to say thanks to everyone for tuning in to mine and Clare’s content this season. We’ll be back with plenty during the off-season to keep you up-to-date on all things Patriots.

Patriots Ups & Downs Week 18

by

Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots finished their 2021 regular-season in a slump, falling 33-24 in Miami to the Dolphins. The curse of playing in Miami continues, but it wasn’t just bad news for the Pats, Dolphins HC and former Patriots DC Brian Flores was fired this morning in a fairly shocking move.

For one last time before the playoffs here are your Ups & Downs from Week 18.

Ups ⬆️

Brandon Bolden

There isn’t much good stuff to talk about from yesterday’s game, but Bolden certainly is. He finished with two touchdowns and continued to show how important he’s been for the offense this season, filling the void left by James White. A top day for BB.

Jakobi Meyers

Meyers had another solid game to finish off his third regular-season on the roster. He hauled in four catches for 70 yards, including this absolute gem of a diving catch. Another up game to cap of a big up year for Meyers.

Jakob Johnson

Johnson stuck out on one key play for me yesterday, he made a great block to open up Bolden’s route towards the endzone. Sure, it’s a standard for the role of his position, but he flies under the radar a lot and I think he’s really improved this season.

Downs ⬇️

Mac Jones

A bad start for Mac yesterday that he never really recover from in a game where he looked flustered and not entirely focused. He made some good throws, flashing his ability, but his two turnovers were a big factor in yesterday’s loss.

The positives I take out of the game is that it was another learning experience for the rookie, he’ll get his first taste of professional playoff football on Saturday with his second trip to Buffalo. I think it’s safe to say he’ll throw more than three times, right?

Special Teams

Albeit a cliche, the Patriots have prided themselves on their special teams efficiency over the years, but this year has been a polar opposite of the work done in previous seasons, especially under Joe Judge more recently.

We’ve seen missed kicks, blocked punts, fumbles and penalties all year, and they had to go out on a high for the regular-season didn’t they. Lawrence Guy flagged on a crucial fourth-down for lining up over the Dolphin long-snapper which is an illegal formation and gave Miami a first down, effectively icing the game.

Whilst the book stops with Bill for all performances from the team, the fault really lies with Cam Achord, the second-year ST coordinator, and don’t be surprised if he’s demoted or banished completely from the staff in the off-season. Something needs to change.

Run Defense

Not being able to stop the run is an issue that has plagued the Patriots all year, it continued yesterday as the Dolphins racked up 195 rushing yards, courtesy of Duke Johnson and Phillip Lindsay. We thought this weakness would be fixed this year, but it certainly needs more focus ahead of the next campaign.

The Patriots fizzle out in Miami

by

Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images

If the game against the Jaguars was a burger (get it, fifty burger) then the game against the Dolphins was those few limp, soggy, skinny fries at the bottom of the brown paper bag. Ew.

The Patriots are renowned for heading to Miami and not doing great, and well, Sunday was no different.

This season has been an inconsistent one for many teams as well as the Patriots. I mentioned earlier in the week that I was concerned the Dolphins were generally out for vengeance following the spanking they took by Mike Vrabel’s Titans. And i’m not too sure if what we watched was vengeance, but it felt to me simply that the Patriots lost the game rather than the Dolphins won it, but that’s all semantics for this 24 to 33 result.

Now, the Patriots didn’t need to win, and the Dolphins future is the same if they did or didn’t, but still, as a Patriots fan you can’t watch that match up and not worry about the length of time the Patriots will be in the playoffs.

The Patriots run defense did not do its job, the defense itself did not look like the line we have been used to watching lately. There are many questions and few answers, but the loss of Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Dugger, as well as Myles Bryant did not help matters. 

To compound the issue, the bright spark of Matt Judon we had at the beginning of the year seems to have really dimmed lately. 

And not to kick ya whilst you’re down, but the awesomeness that is Christian Barmore suffered an injury and is uncertain for any further games in the near future.

I love me a good take away, food and football, but Devin McCourty needed to make that interception catch and in hindsight it could have really turned the game around, there’s no guarantee of course but still…

But you know what folks? It isn’t all doom and gloom. Brandon Bolden, Damien Harris, Jakob Johnson and Hunter Henry came to play. These guys have shown up and owned up this season and have been the light in some of our darker days, and I know I’m a tight end enthusiast but you know I’m only speaking the truth about that Los Angeles pick-up.

The second quarter gave us some fab blocking by Kendrick Bourne for the Bolden touchdown. Unfortunately, the next offensive play the Patriots undertook had a great block by Hunter with Mac airing it out to… Bourne and Meyers having a chat. Okay so I am exaggerating, and we have no idea who was at fault but that play, not great Bob.

Kendrick Bourne still flashed his infamous smile, and proved he was definitely worthy of his free agency signing as he gave Dolphins linebacker Phillips a piggy back down the field! 

And so Patriots fans, that is the regular season fizzling out there, but, BUT, the Patriots are in the playoffs with their rookie quarterback, in a year that covid is still on the horizon. 

I don’t know about you, but I’m not certain about how sure I was that they would get this far in the first real rebuilding season, so it all feels quite positive when you look at the bigger picture. 

Either way, we are on to Buffalo! Go Pats!

Another fifty burger in foggy Foxborough!

by

Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

Happy New Year Patriots Nation!

Apologies, I know I am a little belated, last week was my personal ‘bye’ week but I managed to catch that beautiful fifty burger that the Patriots served up! So, if you fancy a recap, missed the game, or just want something to read with that hot beverage you have there, sit back, relax and let’s enjoy it together, shall we?

The Patriots won the coin toss and chose to defer, and the first play the Jaguars made was a short left pass to a tight end! Number 89 Luke Farrell, to be exact. Now, I know this is mostly insignificant for Patriots fans, however, I am a tight endage enthusiast so I gotta get a little bit extra in where I can. 

Okay, I shall move on.

Needless to say, the Jaguars first drive did not result in much, and they punted after only 2 minutes, but not before Dont’a Hightower registered his first sack in two years whilst Ja’Whaun Bentley took out two players! All the twos anyone?

Kristian Wilkerson had his first NFL reception with a nice floating ball across from Mac Jones. Wilkerson did attempt to get that oh so desired YAC, but with three guys on him, there’s only so much a 6 foot 1, 214 pound wide receiver can do! 

The Patriots continued with Jakobi Meyers in great motion for the first down and Hunter Henry bringing the blocking. Tight endage baby!

And all that was in the first five minutes of the game in foggy Foxborough.

Trent Brown is a force to be reckoned with, as we know, but there was a play, with about 7 minutes remaining on the clock where Brown blocked for the beast that is Rhamondre Stevenson, and the Jags number 27, cornerback Chris Claybrooks spots Brown hunting him down and makes a bit of a push to run off to the side, almost away from Brown. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like you see me blaming him!

The Jags defense were committed to stopping the run, they had a loaded defensive line but Damien Harris was having none of it, and his cut back and forth was like a beautiful dance, and the next play he cha cha’ed a touchdown!

The end of the first quarter almost saw some controversy, depending upon which side you were rooting for. Bentley almost had his fingers on a Trevor Lawrence throw that was followed by a 40 yard catch for the Jags that Jalen Mills seemed to have his hands upon, but the Jags made their next play very quickly, and the matter was dropped. A touch hinkey if you ask me, but hey, no one did. Go figure…

The Jags ended the play with the field goal, and the Patriots had the ball again. 

The second quarter saw Stevenson fighting through for the run, Harris power running, with an epic block by Kendrick Bourne, and Hunter Henry with a 17 yard pick up. A li’l shake and a li’l wiggle too, nice tight endage!

Myles Bryant celebrated his birthday with an interception, his second of his career, another two, but the 13th for Trevor Lawrence… oof. 

Brandon Bolden continued to play strong and smart football, and the connections between Mac, Harris, and Bourne simply strengthened with a lovely little trick play. Mac followed that with a beautiful throw to Wilkerson, soft with just enough air, and Wilkerson scored his first career touchdown. 

Matt Judon had been a little quietly lately, and only just returning from the covid list it’s understandable, but they released the Judon! Only for him to be held and it not called as a penalty, ah this feeling of annoyance is so familiar this season…

JC Jackson solidified his “Mr Interception” status further for his 8th interception of the year, and the 25th of his career. Christian Barmore registered his first career solo sack, and it was just like Christmas all over again.

Myles Bryant’s birthday luck did not continue as he got a penalty call, I know I can be biased but it seemed a little weak. Both players put their helmets down and that rewarded the Jaguars a first down, however they were unable to produce, and the Patriots stormed on. 

Brandon Bolden made a glorious block that prevented a sack on Mac, only for the next play to result in Mac getting pressure from the left. But Mac rolled outside and got the ball to Hunter Henry on the move. Don’t you just love a bit of Mac to Hunter? 

Kyle Van Noy made a beeline for Lawrence and found his mark! Only for the next play to result in an interception by Kyle Dugger that he almost made into a touchdown. But the kid was smart, and he chose ball security over the glory and did his job. 

Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith continued to maintain their blocking prowess whilst the fly in the Patriot’s ointment had to be Chris Claybrooks. That Jags player was definitely an annoyance for the Patriots on Sunday. 

So there you have it folks, the Patriots look to be in the playoffs and are on to Miami… 

Go Pats!