2019 NFL Mock Draft: Projected first round after college football season

2019 NFL Mock Draft: Projected first round after the college football season

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 24: Quarterback Dwayne Haskins #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates with the crowd as time winds down in the fourth quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Michigan 62-39. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

47. . DE/OLB. Florida Gators. Jachai Polite. 29. player

New England currently sits a game behind Kansas City in the race for home field advantage, but they have the pieces on offense to close the season out strong. Sony Michel has been an excellent piece to the offense, and has become extremely versatile for Josh McDaniels gameplans.

The defensive side of the ball has seen a few moments of greatness, but not enough to put it all together for a strong playoff run.

Getting to the quarterback has been a major problem for the front seven, and while there isn’t much that can be done between now and the playoffs, the larger picture should see that problem addressed with the selection of Jachai Polite in next year’s draft.

He may be on the small side for the defensive line standing at 6-foot-2 242 pounds, so having him be a dominant edge rusher will more than likely be the move for Belichick and company. He has 11 sacks this year to go along with 43 tackles and five forced fumbles.

Polite would be the best move here and I don’t see the Patriots letting him slip by them (unless they trade down like they normally do).

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