Seven for the 2019 Draft: DTs – Early, middle and late prospects for Patriots – Some plug and plays

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 who should be available early (first round), middle (second day) and late (third day). We'll finish up with what is likely a position(s) of need, the defensive interior.

POSITIONAL PREVIEWS

Offense

Quarterbacks
Running backs
Tight ends
Receivers
Tackles
Guards/centers

Defense

Edge
Interior
Linebackers
Defensive backs
Special teams

THE SKINNY

Lawrence Guy has been outstanding for the Patriots and is signed through 2020, but the other tackle spot — the nose tackle — has been a constant problem the past few seasons. Malcom Brown flashed, but was largely middling before signing with New Orleans. Danny Shelton was a huge disappointment and is a free agent. The Patriots likely got a steal in Mike Pennel from the Jets, but he's been suspended a few times and there is a dearth of young talent at the position, especially against the run. I would expect New England to hit the interior at least once, and maybe twice in this draft.

POSSIBLE EARLY TARGETS

Dexter Lawrence, Clemson (6-4 ½, 338, 5.04)

If you want a young Vince Wilfork with a little more explosion, this is your guy.  Just a massive human being, and there's not much fat on him. Does everything the Patriots ask of their nose tackles, from holding up to double teams to pushing the pocket. Finished with 131 tackles (18 for loss) and 10 sacks. A long-armed guy (34 ¾ inches) who put up 36 reps on the bench press. Also compares to Haloti Ngata. Would be a perfect Patriots pick. He's better right now than Brown was last year.



Jeffrey Simmons, Mississippi State (6-3 ½, 305)

Has two red flags — an ACL tear in January (may not play until 2020) and a physical altercation with a woman (caught on video when he was in high school) — but he's the complete package on the interior. Compares to a smaller Ndamukong Suh. Can play anywhere along the line. Very quick first step, explosive off the ball and closes quickly. Finished with 163 tackles (33 for loss) and seven sacks.



POSSIBLE MIDDLE TARGETS

Kingsley Keke, Texas A&M (6-2 ½, 291, 4.95)

A lot of really good tools to work with, but very raw and needs a ton of work. He isn't a natural player, and sometimes it takes him a while to process what's going on. Needs better teaching to unleash his athletic ability. Will be a bit of a project. Finished with 150 tackles (21 for loss) and 12.5 sacks.



Renell Wren, Arizona State (6-4, 318, 5.01)

Fits what the Patriots are looking for on the interior with his size, strength and ability to hold the attack. Excellent run stuffer. Played for Todd Graham, a Friend of Bill. Not a great pass rusher, but has that ability. Has a lot of the tools the Patriots seek, but needs better coaching to play more consistently. Right now, he comes and goes during games.



Armon Watts, Arkansas (6-4, 300, 5.23)

From wearing No. 90 to his body type and ability to two-gap, Watts reminds me a lot of Malcom Brown. Didn't become a starter until this past season, but posted seven sacks, four forced fumbles, 49.5 tackles (8.5 for a loss). Has yet to come close to his potential, which is an NFL starter. Tools are definitely there. Strong enough at the point, some good quickness to chase down plays. Recruited and played for Bret Bielema, who is likely to be New England's line coach.



POSSIBLE LATE TARGETS

Daniel Wise, Kansas (6-2, 281, 5.28)

The brother of current Patriots end Deatrich Wise, Daniel isn't as long as his brother, but he has more positional versatility as both a tackle and end. Was All-Big 12 the past two seasons while putting up 12 sacks, 87 stops and 28.5 for a loss. Needs to put on a lot more weight and muscle to play inside for the Patriots, but he has the frame for it. Good quick twitch off the ball. Reacts well to blockers. Knows the game well. Obviously comes from a great family and would fit in seamlessly in New England's system.



Albert Huggins, Clemson (6-3, 305, 5.12)

Played in the shadows of studs Dexter Lawrence and Christian Wilkins but would have started and stood out anywhere else. When Lawrence was hurt in the playoffs this year, Clemson didn't skip a beat, winning the title thanks to Huggins. Finished with 30 tackles, 3.5 for loss, 2.5 sacks in 15 games. Plays a little small but has blend of strength and quickness. I could see him going a lot earlier in the draft. A hidden gem.