With hundreds of mock drafts doing the rounds in the lead-up towards night one of the 2021 Draft, let’s take a look at who some experts have decided for the Patriots pick in the first round along with my thoughts for each prediction.
Pick 10 – QB Justin Fields
Mel Kiper Jr – ESPN – April 13
With only one of the top five quarterbacks still available, the Patriots jump five spots with the Cowboys, giving Dallas their 2022 first-round pick in return. The Cowboys don’t need a quarterback, so they’d be thrilled to get an offer like this and move down only a few spots, because their biggest holes are on defense and they can get a good player at No. 15.
This makes five quarterbacks in the top 10, with Bill Belichick & Co. making the move up for Fields, my second-ranked quarterback. All the moves the Patriots made in free agency showed me that they believe they can get right back into competing for the AFC East title, but I don’t think Cam Newton is the quarterback to get them there. He had too many accuracy issues last season. He’s not the long-term answer. Fields had an up-and-down 2020 season, but he can be a star if he becomes more consistent. And I trust that offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will get him there.
My Thoughts: I will be setting off fireworks on draft night if somehow the Pats are able to secure Fields, but, I just can’t imagine him slipping outside of the top five. A lot of trash news has come out in recent weeks regarding Fields which could impact his stock, it shouldn’t, but that’s the only way I can see the Patriots getting within reach past number 10, other than trading up to four.
Also predicted to Patriots by:
Todd McShay – ESPN
Pick 15 – QB Trey Lance
Steve Palazzolo – PFF – April 19
New England is primed to move up for a quarterback on draft night, but the more I let this draft play out, the more comfortable I am with Lance in the middle of the first. He’s a dynamic runner who’s flashed the arm to hit every throw, but his accuracy is a notch below the other four first-round prospects. It’s a good play for New England, who have Cam Newton for one year, and they can take their time with Lance or throw him right into the mix when he’s ready.
My Thoughts: This would be an ideal scenario for Patriots fans, getting a QB in the first round, without giving up your future to do so. I can’t see Lance making it out of the top ten, but if he somehow falls to fifteen, it would be a huge scoop for the Patriots halfway through the first round.
Also predicted to Patriots by:
Josh Edwards – CBS Sports
Ryan Wilson – CBS Sports
Charles Davis – NFL.com
Pick 15 – WR Jaylen Waddle
Chad Reuter – NFL.com – April 23
Last month, I projected this pairing, anticipating the departure of Julian Edelman. Now that Edelman has announced his retirement, Waddle’s placement in the slot — and as a returner — makes even more sense.
My Thoughts: I can’t see Waddle falling to the middle of the round, but given his speed and comparisons to Tyreek Hill, he would be an overdue injection of pace into the Patriots WR unit. As Reuter mentions, Waddle can play in the slot and offer a dangerous return option.
Pick 15 – LB Micah Parsons
Daniel Jeremiah – NFL.com – April 6
The Patriots have been bold this offseason, so I won’t be shocked if they decide to trade up for a quarterback. If they stay put, Parsons has the versatility to fit in New England.
My Thoughts: Parsons is a specimen and I wouldn’t have any issues if the Patriots landed him at 15. A fast linebacker (4.40 40-yard) who I would love to see how Belichick utilizes if he ends up in a Patriots uniform.
Also predicted to Patriots by:
Lance Zierlein – NFL.com
Pick 15 – CB Jaycee Horn
Mike Dussault – Patriots.com – March 26
Horn had an off-the-charts Pro Day this week and it helped offset his lack of 2020 game film. He has the length, speed and physicality to do everything the Patriots ask of their cornerbacks playing predominantly man coverage, not to mention NFL pedigree as the son of Joe Horn. With a likely run on quarterbacks it should give the Patriots a prime shot at one of the three top cornerbacks at 15, all of whom are great fits in New England.
With long-term questions around Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson, Horn is the perfect replacement to groom this season and gives them a potential long-term number one cornerback.
My Thoughts: A solid choice if the Patriots remain at fifteen, Horn, along with Patrick Surtain II and Greg Newsome II, are the top three cornerbacks in the entire class, with Horn landing in New England for Mike’s prediction. Stephon Gilmore’s future remains uncertain and J.C. Jackson is set to become a UFA after this season, selecting Horn would be a solid pick.
Also predicted to Patriots by:
Charley Casserly – NFL.com
Pick 10 – QB Mac Jones
Chris Trapasso – CBS Sports – April 23
Bill Belichick makes somewhat of an aggressive move to climb five spots to take the Alabama quarterback. New England trades its third-round pick, a fifth-round pick, and a future sixth-rounder to swing this deal.
My Thoughts: I’ve gone back and forth on the idea of trading up to take Mac Jones, but I’ve finally settled on that I hope the Patriots won’t do it. Now, taking him at 15, if the team loves him, I’m fine with, but I don’t want them to give up their future capital for Jones.
Also predicted to Patriots by:
Pete Prisco – CBS Sports
Rob Rang – FOX Sports
[…] my breakdown of the expert mock drafts earlier this week, I said “Now, taking him (Jones) at 15, if the team loves him, I’m fine […]