PatsPropaganda

An Independent Patriots Blog

Tom Shaw-Mellors

Patriots Draft Blog – Night 1 LIVE

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(AP Photo/Steve Luciano)

Welcome to night one of the PatsPropaganda draft live blogs! I’ll be posting all throughout this evening for all of the drama from the first round. Get involved in the discussion or send me a question to our Twitter @PatsPropaganda!

Hosted by Tom Shaw-Mellors (@ShawMellors)
Please refresh the page for live updates below.

LIVE UPDATES 🠗

23:28- It’s getting towards 5am here in the UK, I’m going to call it a night unless I hear the Patriots fly back into the late first round this evening. Thanks for tuning in! GO PATS!

23:26- Browns select CB Greg Newsome II with Pick 26.

23:22- Jags take RB Travis Etienne with their second pick tonight, Lawrence’s fellow Clemson Tiger is also heading to Jacksonville.

23:16- A Few more picks have been made, the Vikings select OT Christian Darrisaw, the Steelers then took RB Najee Harris from Alabama with the 24th pick.

23:10- Mac Jones on wanting to join the Patriots all along…

23:02- CB Caleb Farley, another top prospect goes to the Titans at Pick 22.

22:53- Colts select DE Kwity Paye, one of the few edge rushers worth taking in the first round now off the board.

22:50- A Mac Jones conference call is coming up….

22:45- A couple more picks to report on, Washington takes LB Jamin Davis & the NY Giants take WR Kadarius Toney which is a slight surprise. I don’t imagine we’ll see the Patriots again this evening.

22:32- DL Jaelan Phillips goes to Miami with Pick 18.

22:28- Lost my way after that pick, LB Zaven Collins went to the Cardinals and OG Alex Leatherwood is heading to Las Vegas.

22:24- Damien Harris is happy!

22:21- Well, we were oh so patient for this, but the Patriots have their potential franchise QB in Mac Jones, and I am all in. – I need a drink.

22:12-

PICK 15 – QB MAC JONES

THE PATRIOTS HAVE A QB – IT IS OFFICIAL

22:08- Jets took G/T Vera-Tucker, a solid pick and support for Wilson on the line.

22:08- THE PATRIOTS ARE FINALLY ON THE CLOCK.

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Mock Draft Review – Who the experts are predicting the Patriots to select first

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Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXCYiU5MI1I
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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgNOk_huxiE

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

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BREAKING – Julian Edelman announces his retirement from football

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Twitter – @Edelman11

Well, here it is. After 11 seasons with the Patriots, number 11 Julian Edelman, has announced his retirement from football.

https://twitter.com/Edelman11/status/1381722282570170373?s=20

He goes out in the classy way that Jules always conducted himself, watch the whole video above, and be prepared for tears.

I’m sad it’s ended like this for Jules, a fine player who will be remembered as one of the greatest Patriots of the dynasty era, but the last few years have been difficult to get through as his body has slowly broken down.

I’ll remember watching him run the length of the field on TV here in England on late nights hoping to see him do it in person one day. Luckily, I did, in November 2019 against the Cowboys, in the pouring rain and snow, Edelman raced out into a wild reception, as he always did at Gillette. It was amazing.

The passing touchdowns, the catch in Super Bowl 51, his MVP performance in Super Bowl 53, his community spirit for Boston, and his love for his teammates.

Julian Edelman is one of the great success stories in our franchise’s history. There aren’t many players who earn an NFL roster spot at a position they have never played before. Julian not only did that as a seventh-round draft selection, but he is retiring with the second-most career receptions in franchise history and as a three-time Super Bowl Champion, including his last as Super Bowl MVP. No one was more committed to his craft and honing his skills than Jules. His explosiveness off the line, quickness in his cuts and elusiveness after the catch made him one of the hardest players to defend throughout his career. His clutch catches in our biggest games and overall toughness made him a fan favorite. Over the past 12 years, I have enjoyed watching him grow as a player, as a person and as a father. In 2019, I had the privilege of traveling to Israel with Julian, which might be the only place where he is more popular than here in New England.

Robert Kraft via Patriots.com

By any measure of what constitutes an elite NFL career – wins, championships, production – Julian has it all, Few players can match Julian’s achievements, period, but considering his professional trajectory and longevity, the group is even more select. It is historic. This is a tribute to his legendary competitiveness, mental and physical toughness and will to excel. Day in and day out, Julian was always the same: all out. Then, in the biggest games and moments, with championships at stake, he reached even greater heights and delivered some of his best, most thrilling performances. For all Julian did for our team, what I may appreciate the most is he was the quintessential throwback player. He could, and did, do everything – catch, run, throw, block, return, cover and tackle – all with an edge and attitude that would not allow him to fail under any circumstance. Julian Edelman is the ultimate competitor and it was a privilege to coach him.

Bill Belichick via Patriots.com

The final chapter in a fairy-tale career, it’s been a hell of a ride.

Thank-you 11.

Should the Patriots trade up for a QB in the Draft?

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(BYU Photo/Jaren WIlkey)

The first trades for teams to begin moving around in this year’s Draft started at the end of last week, and it’s made me think even more about what might happen on night one of the Draft. 

So, it leaves the question on the lips of a lot of Patriots fans, should they trade up and take a QB? 

The answer for me, is yes. 

Firstly, let’s take a look at what happened with the mega trades last Friday –

The 49ers gave up a lot of capital to get themselves within touching distance of one of the top QB prospects this year, then, the Eagles got a future first-rounder by trading back with Miami to allow them back into the top ten of the first round.

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Patriots Free Agency- Who have they signed so far?

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Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

A week on from an explosive beginning to the Patriots off-season shopping spree, and, in case you hadn’t heard, they’re not done yet.

As free agency rolls along, punters across the US are keeping a close eye on new deals and signings and the impact they may have on the upcoming NFL season and team odds. Those who are interested in the NFL and are wanting to place a bet ahead of the season can look on which sportsbooks are available on greatlakesstakes.com.

So, who are the new players in Foxborough?

Acquisitions

TE Jonnu Smith

The first name that broke through on tamper-Monday was Smith, but, little did we know he wouldn’t be the only TE through the door in FA. He arrives in New England on the back of his career-best season with the Titans. In 2020, he had 41 catches for 481 yards and 8 touchdowns.

Loved this move when it was announced, still love it now. I was secretly hoping that Kyle Pitts may land on the team’s lap on night one of the Draft, but now, consider me happy with the TE position. Smith brings a big red zone threat, something which has previously hindered the Pats offensive drives since Gronk left.

Given his versatility, could see him being used in a number of ways

TE Hunter Henry

Interested in him at the 2016 Draft, tried to sign him last year in free agency, and finally, Bill has Hunter Henry in a Patriots jersey.

I love the move, with my only concern being his ability to stay healthy. He is looking forward to beginning his sixth season in the NFL, but only the fifth season he will compete in, after missing the 2018 campaign due to a torn ACL in pre-season OTA’s.

Now, this isn’t a grave concern by any means, Gronk played through various injuries during his time in New England and was still able to be highly productive. My hope for Henry this season is for him to be able to see out a full season without missing a game, something which has alluded him so far in his career.

[Read more…] about Patriots Free Agency- Who have they signed so far?

The Patriots release three players, including K Justin Rohrwasser

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(AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, Pool)

Some news today that the team has moved on from Justin Rohrwasser, Cassh Maluia, and Michael Pinckney according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss.

I’m surprised Rohrwasser made it through his entire rookie season without being cut, his initial arrival was overshadowed by the whole tattoo fiasco, before his lack of visibility on the practice field through-out training camp raised questions.

Finally, he was beaten out by Nick Folk for the entire year and Roberto Aguayo’s arrival in the weeks after the team’s season ended merely sealed his fate.

The news of the two linebackers who were cut today doesn’t come across to me as a final goodbye. With the arrival of Raekwon McMillan, Kyle Van Noy, and Matt Judon, the positional room is a lot busier than a few weeks ago, so, whilst Maluia and Pinckney are gone for now, I wouldn’t be surprised if they turn up again in time for camp.

Patriots splash the cash and sign six on the first day of FA negotiations

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Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

WHAT A DAY. – I had a feeling the Patriots, you know, might actually do something today, and boy did I underestimate. Let’s take a look at all of the moves from the first day of FA negotiations.

Signings

TE Jonnu Smith – 4-Years $50M ($31.25 Guaranteed)

WOW! – What a start, Bill and the staff went big for their first deal today, landing Jonnu Smith on a four-year contract. Since Gronk left back in 2018, the Patriots have struggled to even find an NFL-caliber player at the position. Now, they pay Smith to become the biggest patch-catching threat on the roster.

TE Depth-
Jonnu Smith
Ryan Izzo
Devin Asiasi
Dalton Keene
Matt LaCosse

WR Nelson Agholor – 2-Years $26M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92k6agbV11A

Forgetting his lackluster up and down time in Philly, Agholor comes to New England on the back of a solid 8-TD season in Las Vegas. A nice addition to the receiving ranks, not a Golladay or Smith-Schuster signing, but a solid signing for sure.

2020 Numbers- 48 REC – 896 YDS – 8 TD’s

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