Tony Dungy offers theory behind Patriots' unorthodox N'Keal Harry pick

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The only predictable thing about the New England Patriots at the NFL Draft is their unpredictability.

The 2019 draft brought another surprise twist, as New England snagged N'Keal Harry at No. 32 overall to make the Arizona State product their first wide receiver taken in the first round since Terry Glenn in 1996.

So, what prompted Bill Belichick to do something he's never done before? NBC NFL analyst and former head coach Tony Dungy joined this week's edition of the Michael Holley Podcast to offer his theory.

"I think that speaks a little bit to the game, the way it's going," Dungy told Holley of the Patriots' decision to draft Harry. "Receivers can make such a difference now. The rules are tailored to the passing game.

"I think you see Bill Belichick saying, 'Tom Brady's coming down -- we don't know when the end is gonna be, but I'm not gonna have Tom forever. So, let me make sure I get some weapons for him, and let's get somebody who can stretch the field and make some things happen in the passing game.' "

The Patriots also drafted a skill player in the first round last year (running back Sony Michel), so it does appear Belichick is placing a higher premium on early-round offensive talent in the draft as Brady enters his age-42 season.

"I think you're seeing a little bit of a shift in, 'Let's make sure we've got Tom enough to work with," Dungy added.

Check out Dungy's full conversation with Holley below; the Harry discussion comes at the 13:58 mark.

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