The first 31 picks of the 2019 NFL draft came and went and saw the New England Patriots, holding the 32nd selection, do nothing. When they finally were on the clock, the expectation was a trade-down but it never happened: instead of moving out, the Patriots decided to invest in Arizona State wide receiver N’Keal Harry — the highest wideout picked by the team since Terry Glenn was picked seventh overall in 1996.
With Harry, the Patriots have found an X-receiver able to outmuscle defensive backs and win jump balls — a similar element to what now-retired tight end Rob Gronkowski brought to the table.