New England Patriots: 7-Round 2019 mock draft after Super Bowl 53

If free agency hits them hard, the New England Patriots may find themselves with massive needs at defensive tackle. With that in mind, it makes sense for them to take a chance on players with specific skill-sets at the position late in the 2019 NFL Draft.

In the seventh-round of this mock draft, the Patriots select Baylor defensive tackle Ira Lewis. Lewis lacks a bit of size on the inside, but he makes up for it with explosive athleticism, quickness and physicality. He has some upside as an interior rusher and can compete on run downs as well. This would be a nice flyer for the Pats late in the draft.

Tyree Kinnel is a physical defensive back prospect who shows impressive overall run defense skills. He sheds blocks well and is an extremely consistent and reliable tackler. Kinnel does not offer much upside in coverage, struggling against dynamic receivers on a consistent basis. This obviously limits his ability to make an impact on the defensive side of the ball.

That being said, Kinnel’s specific defensive skill-set would seem to fit well on special teams. If nothing else, I think the Patriots could snag Kinnel as a potential core special teams asset who can make an impact right away.

Brandon Fritts has not shown much as a pass catcher at the tight end position. He has been a bit of a threat in the red zone over the years (nine career touchdown catches), but Fritts’ ability as a receiver is not what will get him to the NFL. That would be his blocking.

Fritts is arguably the best blocking tight end in this draft class, shining both as a run blocker and as an extra pass protector. He can block the edge well at the tight end position and also showed the ability to make an impact as a lead blocker in the H-back role. I could see the Patriots using Fritts as a versatile H-back who contributes as both the third tight and also a fullback at times.