The first round of the 2019 NFL Draft came together in the best way for the New England Patriots. Bill Belichick and the Patriots landed receiver N’Keal Harry, a player who they believed could go much higher in the draft.

That came to light in a conversation between Belichick and former ASU Sun Devils coach Todd Graham after the Patriots drafted Harry. Graham, who worked for the Patriots in 2018, recruited Harry but was replaced by coach Herm Edwards at ASU.

“When I talked to coach Belichick the night that he drafted N’Keal, (Belichick) told me, ‘Man, we were so fortunate that he was still there,’” Graham told The Athletic’s Jeff Howe in a recent interview. “They were so glad he was still available. They had him graded a lot higher than where he was taken in the first round.”

Not only was Harry a good value, according to the Patriots’ draft board, but he also brought huge potential to a position which needed reinforcements. Julian Edelman carried a major load in 2018, with Rob Gronkowski and Josh Gordon helping out as the other top pass-catching options. But Gronk is retired, Gordon is suspended, and Edelman just turned 33 years old. The Patriots needed to think about bringing in pass-catching threats for the future. Harry might just be that: A bluechip player who could help Tom Brady finish his career with style, and perhaps even usher in a new era with a new quarterback.

But let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. For now, Harry is practicing with the Patriots, learning the playbook and improving his technique. He looked good during an open practice last Thursday, garnering a team-high 10 targets and hauling in four touchdowns during two sessions of 11-on-11 red-zone drills. Perhaps he can prove the teams that passed on him that he was deserving of a higher selection.