Patriots select Stanford punter Jake Bailey with 163rd pick in 2019 NFL Draft
The Patriots traded up in the 2019 NFL Draft to select … a right-footed punter? Bill Belichick goes with Stanford’s Jake Bailey at pick 163.
Oct 7, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT: Stanford Cardinal punter Jake Bailey punts the ball during the first quarter against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium. (Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports)
Russ Isabella-USA TODAY
Russ Isabella-USA TODAYOct 7, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT: Stanford Cardinal punter Jake Bailey punts the ball during the first quarter against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium. (Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports)
From the Patriots Draft Hub at 985TheSportsHub.com
The New England Patriots traded up to pick 163 in the 2019 NFL Draft on Saturday, using the selection on Stanford punter Jake Bailey. Bill Belichick sent picks 167 and 246 to the Eagles so he could use the pick on Bailey.
What makes Bailey a striking pick for the Patriots is that he's a right-footed punter. Belichick has long preferred lefties at that position. The Patriots also recently re-signed starting punter Ryan Allen to a one-year deal.
Bailey is known for his powerful leg, but also has to work on his touch. He sounds similar to 2018 undrafted free agent Corey Bojorquez, who ended up with the Bills.
This season's punting competition should be much more interesting than a year ago.
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