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
