The Patriots sit at 10 pickets for the 2021 NFL Draft. On April 29, the big question for him is whether he will trade to acquire the quarterback in the first round.
For now, New England picks the number 15 overall with seven picks through the seventh round on the first day. The team became defense-heavy in 2020 and this year there will be more consideration, but it should also be looking for a more aggressive after-effects of a busy free agency.
With that in mind, here are the Sporting News estimates for the Patriots’ draft:
MORE NFL DRAFT: Complete 7-Round Mock | Top 100 Big Boards
Patriot mock draft 2021
Round 1, number 15
- Micah Parsons, ILB, Penn State (6-3, 245 pounds)
The Patriots, if they stop, should be happy about this colorful, versatile playwright. Dont’a Hightower is 32 years old and has one year left in his deal. Ja’Whaun Bentley also becomes a free agent in 2022. Parsons will be plugged in as a near-term and long-term starter.
Round 2, No. 46 overall
- Eliza Moore, WR, Ole Miss (5-9, 184 pounds)
Julian Edelman’s retirement calls for a more immediate replacement. Moore can dominate the slot in the same way with some outside ability for big plays.
Round 3, No. 96 Composite (Compensatory)
- Aaron Robinson, CB, UCF (6-0, 186 pounds)
Robinson has the frame and coverage skills to do many things well in defending Bill Bellich. The Patriots are on the verge of rebuilding an age-based secondary.
Round 4, No. 120 overall
- Ambrey Thomas, CB, Michigan (6–0, 191 lb)
The Patriots can go back-to-cornerback with good success in this class .. Thomas can work to help deepen outside coverage for the first time and also be a big contributor on special teams.
Round 4, No. 122 overall (via Cardinals to Texas)
- Kylin Hill, RB, Mississippi State (5-10, 214 pounds)
Hill is a no-nonsense back who could promote the Patriots’ power running game as a swing replacement for Rex Burkhead.
Round 4, No. 139 overall (Compensatory)
- Jaelon Darden, WR, North Texas (5-8, 174 pounds)
The Patriots can complete one over of their defending duct after drafting Moore here and signing Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Aghor after receiving limited returns from N’Keal Harry, Damire Bird and Jacoby Oyers. While Moore can start in the slot with his size, Durden has intrigue as a weak dasher who can increase his big-play ability when he gets the ball in his hands.
Round 5, No. 177 overall (Compensatory)
- Kellen Mond, QB, Texas A&M (6-3, 211 pounds)
Mond is a veteran college starter with enough athletics to be a promising quick-developing dual threat behind Cam Newton. He is reliable and skilled of a good supporting cast. Should the Patriots not get a QB early, at some point targeting him as a sleeper makes a ton of sense.
Round 6, No. 188 overall (from Texas)
- Malik Herring, EDGE, Georgia (6-3, 275 lb)
Herring is built to help the Patriots as a 3-4 end with his strong build and has great hands for extra support against the run with a dash of pass-rush skills.
Round 6, No. 197 overall
- Khairis Tonga, DT, BYU (6-2, 325 lb)
The Patriots could double something at solid depth for their line rotation as Tonga would be the ideal required backup for new nose tackle.
Round 7, No. 242 overall
- Josh Palmer, WR, Tennessee (6-1, 210 pounds)
Another receiver? After the opening two short goals, the Patriots should like Palmer’s size and hands as a technical route-runner. He will be more development backup for outside.
Leave a Reply