New England Patriots: Early 3-round 2019 mock draft

Even the New England Patriots have holes on their team and they can use a successor for Tom Brady. Is that guy in the 2019 NFL Draft?

Another year, another AFC East title for Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. Yes, it’s the same old story for the five-time Super Bowl-winning head coach and for quarterback Tom Brady. Whether or not they add to their title collection after the 2018 season (or beyond) remains to be seen.

However, the Patriots are not without flaws. One of their most glaring needs is their greatest strength: quarterback. Despite having a future Hall of Famer in Brady — they don’t have a successor. Continuing with their offense, they also lack weapons on the outside.

On defense, the Patriots need help. They currently have the 24th ranked defense for yards allowed. Their pass defense can’t stop anyone and they can’t get to the quarterback, averaging a little over one sack per game.

With needs on both sides of the ball, Belichick has options in the 2019 NFL Draft. They’ll pick near the bottom of the first round. However, with six picks in the first three rounds, they have ammunition to move up. Or, Belichick can move down as he always does. Either way, the Patriots are loaded.

For the purposes of this mock draft, however, we’re going to operate under the assumption that Belichick uses some of that draft capital to do the unthinkable (for him): Trade up. With that, they’ll be able to land the prospects that best fit their needs.