Experts grade the Patriots’ day two draft picks, and other league reactions

The New England Patriots had a busy Friday night and after a series of trades and picks came away with four players between rounds two and three of the 2019 NFL draft. Let’s collect some reactions from around the league and the media about the world champions’ haul.

Joejuan Williams reacts to getting drafted

Chase Winovich reacts to getting drafted

Draft grades

MileHighReport’s Just_JoRo

Winner: Super Bowl teams

Joejuan Williams and Chase Winovich to the Patriots, Taylor Rapp, Devery Henderson, Bobby Evans and David Long to the Rams isn’t really fair. The rich certainly got richer.

NFL.com’s Chad Reuter

Days 2 grade: A-

The Patriots’ interest in Williams was not a well-kept secret -- he had the versatility they needed in the secondary. Giving up a third-round pick to go get him was not a Belichickian-type move, but if they had a first-round grade on him, I won’t blame them for making the deal. They found a steal in Winovich in the third round. He’s the type of high-motor, versatile lineman who will be a factor early on. Harris is an all-around talent who was worthy of a selection 20 picks earlier than his drafting spot. Cajuste has injury issues and doesn’t have the greatest feet, but he could work his way into starting at right tackle. New England could use a quarterback and tight end on Saturday, and should be able to find both.

NJ.com’s Kevin Manaham

Pick: Joejuan Williams, CB, Vanderbilt

Analysis: Patriots give the Nashville crowd a reason to cheer by trading up with the team it beat in the Super Bowl to take the big CB. He might not play right away, but he could become a good cover corner for the Pats. Grade: B-

The Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer

Winner: Patriots, for being the Patriots. Wide receiver N’Keal Harry was a mic drop at the end of Round 1, but then New England took multiple encores by using ample draft capital on Day 2 to manipulate the board in its favor with cornerback Joejuan Williams, edge pass rusher Chase Winovich, running back Damien Harris and offensive tackle Yodny Cajuste. The Patriots are once again ahead of the game with their stockpiling at the positions needed most.

CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco

Joejuan Williams, CB, Vanderbilt

He was the captain of my better than team, that tells you what I think about him. I love this kid. The New England Patriots get it. Bill Belichick works the system better than anybody. Belichick the master at work again. Grade: A+

Chase Winovich, DE, Michigan

Winovich is a try hard player who fits the New England style. His versatility will be big in their defense as they look to replace the production of Trey Flowers on the defensive line. Grade: B

Damien Harris, RB, Alabama

The Patriots picked up an SEC running back in the first round last year, and here they get a nice player who can mix in behind Sony Michel. They had bigger needs, but with all their picks, might as well take him here if you like him. Grade: B

Yodny Cajuste, OL, West Virginia

The Patriots get some good value here, as Cajuste could have went 30 picks earlier and no one would complain. He needs some developing, but the Pats have the luxury of doing that. Solid find. Grade: B

Sports Illustrated’s Andy Benoit

45. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (VIA RAMS VIA FALCONS): CB JOEJUAN WILLIAMS

The Patriots draft a cover corner in the second round almost every year. With J.C. Jackson emerging as a stellar No. 2 opposite All-Pro Stephon Gilmore, they have no immediate need here, especially given that Patrick Chung often mans the slot. It’s too early to dump 2018 second-rounder Duke Dawson and there’s a lot to like about undrafted fourth-year pro Jonathan Jones, who surprisingly moved to safety in the Super Bowl. Bill Belichick must simply love Williams, because the Pats don’t NEED him and may not even have an active roster spot for him on some Sundays this year. The MMQB’s Albert Breer mocked Williams to the Patriots, saying “Bill Belichick is always looking ahead, and he mentioned in his pre-draft press conference the need to match up with bigger receivers and athletic tight ends. The Patriots have had Patrick Chung in that role for a while.” That could be Williams’s role in the future.

GRADE: C

77. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (VIA PANTHERS): DE CHASE WINOVICH

He has stellar physical traits, and his effort and fundamentals (which can be honed) fit well in a Patriots scheme that emphasizes setting the edge and finishing pass rushers late in the down.

GRADE: A-

87. CHICAGO BEARS [SIC!]: RB DAMIEN HARRIS

This one is a little surprising, as Harris figures to be more of a first- and second-down back, which is precisely what last year’s first-round pick, Sony Michel, is for this team. James White and Rex Burkhead are also under contract to 2021. Still, Harris is a productive player from a storied program, so you can’t outright rip the decision.

GRADE: C

101. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (VIA RAMS VIA PATRIOTS): T YODNY CAJUSTE

With no proven backup tackles on the roster, the Patriots decided they’d develop one. Cajuste is a project, but offensive line coach Dante Scarnechia, at this point, is viewed as a wizard.

GRADE: C+

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Other reactions

SB Nation’s Christian D’Andrea

Patriots select CB JoeJuan Williams (45th overall): AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH YEESSSSSSSSSSSSS

Patriots select EDGE Chase Winovich (77th overall): Good on the Pats to honor the memory of Shawn Crable.

Patriots select RB Damien Harris (87th overall): Wither the Rex Burkhead era? Harris averaged 6.4 yards per carry in college and just made Sony Michel significantly less valuable in your dynasty fantasy league.

Patriots select OT Yodny Cajuste (101st overall): Tom Brady will play forever as long as the Patriots keep beefing up his supporting cast.

Pro Football Focus

New England Patriots – CB JoeJuan Williams, Vanderbilt

In Joejuan Williams, the Pats get a big physical corner. He was the 88th player on the PFF Big Board, but the Pats get a player who fits their mold and can help to man the spot opposite Stephon Gilmore.

New England Patriots – Edge Chase Winovich, Michigan

The Patriots got great value in edge defender Chase Winovich. The 29th player on the PFF Big Board, Winovich posted back to 90.0-plus grades in ’17 and ’18.

New England Patriots – RB Damien Harris, Alabama

After taking Sony Michel in the first round in 2018, the Patriots select Damien Harris in the third round. Harris and Michel should help share the rushing load allowing James White to continue as the receiving back. Harris was elite at holding onto the ball, only fumbling twice (both in 2016) in his collegiate career on 475 rush attempts, earning an 89.9 and 90.2 fumble grades in ’17 and ’18, respectively.

New England Patriots – OT Yodny Cajuste, West Virginia

Cajuste is a high-performing pass-protector with all of the tools to succeed in the NFL. He also earned the ninth-best run-blocking grade among draft-eligible offensive tackles in 2018.

Beat Writer Reactions

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Patriots reactions