Six for the 2019 Draft: OTs - Early, middle and late prospects for Patriots - Another 1st-rounder?

As we count down to the 2019 NFL draft, we’ll take the measure of the Patriots by position and offer up six prospects at each spot on the field that should be available early (first round), middle (second day) and late (third day). Time to get into our favorite position — line play — with the dancing bears on the outside.

Previous positions

Corners
Receivers
Edge
Quarterbacks
Tight ends
Running backs

THE SKINNY

Since many of these prospects have inside/outside versatility, we'll go over the whole line, which was one of the best units in the league by the end of last season. Obviously, there's a lot of unknown at left tackle with Trent Brown moving on and Isaiah Wynn returning from surgery. Could use some depth at both tackle spots besides Cole Croston. Joe Thuney is coming off a very good campaign, but is in a contract year at left guard. David Andrews and Shaq Mason are entrenched at center and right guard, respectively. Marcus Cannon could be a cap casualty at some point.  Interior backups Brian Schwenke, James Ferentz and Ted Karras are all in contract years.

So, to recap, the Patriots could use some help at tackle (perhaps competition for Wynn), and some youth/options for Thuney transition on the interior. Would not be shocked to see the Patriots go for a tackle in the first round again, but there are some intriguing prospects throughout this draft if given time to develop.

POSSIBLE EARLY TARGET

Cody Ford, Oklahoma (6-3½, 330, 5.25)

Teams are split on whether he's a guard or a tackle in the NFL (he played both for the Sooners), but there's little doubt Ford has all the tools to be a standout in the league wherever he plays — and he can play every spot, except center. Very physical, good feet and blocks down the field in the run game exceedingly well. Would be perfect for the Patriots' blocking system. Known as extremely tough and nasty. Would give the Patriots options for Cannon, Thuney and even competition for Wynn. Ford has extremely long arms (34 inches) and big hands. Could very well be a full-time tackle on either side in the pros. Needs to work on not dropping his hands.


POSSIBLE MIDDLE TARGETS

Dalton Risner, Kansas State (6-5, 311, 5.32)

Another inside/outside player without the left tackle potential. Can play guard, but likely projects to right tackle due to his height and arm length (34 inches). One of the best run blockers in college and can get down the field on pulls. Physical and nasty at the point of attack. Got the best of Montez Sweat this season as you'll see below (right tackle). Stiff in the hips, but a really good player.



Greg Little, Ole Miss (6-5, 310, 5.30)

Came out early after his true junior season and many think he's not ready, but has undeniable tools looking to be honed by someone like Dante Scarnecchia. Super long arms (35 inches) and huge hands to go with quick feet ... there's a lot to work with. Competitive on film, likes football. Unpolished, but has potential to be a solid starter for years. Comps to Cordy Glenn.


POSSIBLE LATE TARGETS

Max Scharping, Northern Illinois (6-6, 321)

Elite size and smarts. Will play in the league for a dozen years and be very solid. Athletic ability is limited. Little stiff in the hips and the feet can plod, but he can play four positions on the line. Fifth-year senior with 53 starts. Great pass protector.



Yodny Cajuste, West Virginia (6-5, 309)

A bit of a project with a torn quad and a deep basketball background, but has some of the biggest upside in this draft. Feet need work, but he's big and strong. Reminds me of a young Brian Waters with his posture and pad level.



Isaiah Prince, Ohio State (6-6, 305, 5.09)

Another player with a lot of upside. A good athlete with long arms (35 1/2) and big hands. Right tackle (59) for the Buckeyes. Needs to play with a lot more discipline. Very physical at the point of attack, sometimes overly so. Finishes plays. Good run blocker. Needs refinement.