Reassassing the Patriots’ needs heading into the third day of the 2019 NFL draft

Welcome to the third and final day of the 2019 NFL draft. Four rounds full of action are waiting for us, and a total of 152 selections — seven of which belonging to the New England Patriots. What the champions will do with their draft capital is, true to form, anyone’s guess but it would not be surprising to see at least some of them invested in the remaining needs that need to be filled.

Working off colleague Michael McDermott’s list from yesterday, let’s take a look at where the Patriots stand in regards to holes that still need to be filled and what they could about it:

Pass catching tight end

While New England was in a position to pick potential targets such as Irv Smith Jr. (2-50 to the Minnesota Vikings) and Jace Sternberger (3-75 to the Green Bay Packers) they decided against investing in a receiving tight end. This leaves the club with limited options after three rounds, unless it decides to swing a trade for players such as the Vikings’ Kyle Rudolph or Seattle Seahawks tight end Nick Vannett.

Possible targets: Kaden Smith (Stanford), Foster Moreau (Louisiana State), Tommy Sweeney (Boston College)

Developmental defensive tackle

Nine primary interior defensive linemen have heard their name called so far during the draft, but none because of the Patriots. Same as at the tight end spot, New England was in a position in rounds two and three but decided against pulling the trigger. However, the depth at defensive tackle is better in this draft than at tight end, which means that some projected day two options are still available at this point in time.

Possible targets: Gerald Willis (Miami), Renell Wren (Arizona State), Daylon Mack (Texas A&M), Kingsley Keke (Texas A&M)

Developmental quarterback

Only two passers were drafted yesterday, which means that there are plenty of late-round options still available at this point in time. While, yes, there is a reason for that, New England could find value in developmental players such as North Carolina State’s Ryan Finley or Boise State’s Brett Rypien — both of which would fit New England’s scheme and could be groomed behind Tom Brady and, for 2018, Brian Hoyer.

Possible targets: Ryan Finley (North Carolina State), Brett Rypien (Boise State), Tyree Jackson (Buffalo), Jarrett Stidham (Auburn)

Developmental wide receiver

The Patriots filled their immediate need at wide receiver by drafting N’Keal Harry with the 32nd overall selection. However, a double-dip is still possible if the right chance presents itself today. After all, some intriguing options are still on the board that appear to fit in well with what the Patriots are doing — the most prominent of which, of course, being Clemson slot receiver Hunter Renfrow.

Possible targets: Kelvin Harmon (North Carolina State), Riley Ridley (Georgia), Emanuel Hall (Missouri), Hunter Renfrow (Clemson), Greg Dortch (Wake Forest)