The Patriots received a 2019 third-round pick (No. 101) as compensation for Malcolm Butler leaving in free agency. On Friday, Bill Belichick turned that selection into another cornerback: Vanderbilt’s Joejuan Williams.
New England traded the No. 101 slot, along with the 56th pick, to the Los Angeles Rams to move up to No. 45. There, they chose Williams, a 6-foot-3, 211-pound defensive back who will join a packed positional group. The Patriots have Stephon Gilmore, Jason McCourty, Jonathan Jones, J.C. Jackson, Keion Crossen, and Duke Dawson on the depth chart.
In his post-draft remarks, Williams noted that he wants to be coach after his playing career concludes.