The Patriots Rookie Spotlight is a daily series where I will go down the list and break down each of the 10 players taken in the 2019 NFL Draft. So far we have covered WR N’Keal Harry, DB Joejuan Williams, DE Chase Winovich, RB Damien Harris, OT Yodny Cajuste, OG Hjalte Froholdt and QB Jarrett Stidham. Today we will break down the number-one-ranked recruit in 2015: DT Byron Cowart.

Cowart had immense pressure coming out of high school as the highest rated player in the country that year. He chose to take his talents to Auburn, a decision he would later regret. In three seasons at Auburn, Cowart was only able to get on the field for 14 games, and made 15 tackles with a forced fumble.

Following his junior season Cowart decided it was time for a change of scenery. He moved to Hillsborough Community College temporarily before landing at Maryland for his final year of college football. In 12 games for the Terps Cowart made 38 tackles, five tackles-for-loss, 3 sacks, 2 interceptions, and a forced fumble.

Potential

Byron Cowart showed signs of dominance at Maryland, showing why he was such a highly touted recruit out of high school. He is 6’3″, 298 lbs., and will get plenty of extension with 34-inch arms. Cowart is a good athlete but is raw. He only had one full season of playing time at the college level, and now will be tasked with competing at the NFL level.

Future With The Patriots

Byron Cowart will have some work to do if he wants to find a role with the Patriots. As an interior rusher, Cowart will be competing with Lawrence Guy, Mike Pennel Jr., Danny Shelton, and Adam Butler. Of all the rookies I have analyzed so far, Cowart has the lowest chance to get on the field consistently. That said, if he can show what made him such an elite recruit, he may be able to find a role in New England. As of right now Cowart is on the roster bubble with practice squad potential.

If you liked this article, check out some other installments of this series, where I covered the players listed below. Stayed tuned for my breakdown of Jake Bailey tomorrow.

N’Keal Harry – Patriots Rookie Spotlight

Joejuan Williams – Patriots Rookie Spotlight

Chase Winovich – Patriots Rookie Spotlight

Damien Harris – Patriots Rookie Spotlight

Yodny Cajuste – Patriots Rookie Spotlight

Hjalte Froholdt – Patriots Rookie Spotlight

Jarrett Stidham – Patriots Rookie Spotlight