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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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Have the Patriots lost their identity?

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Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports


Patriots fans saw a season without Gronk, then one without Gronk and Brady. Well now there will be one without Gronk, Brady and Edelman. Three of arguably the best Patriots of the last decade. 

As a tight end enthusiast, losing Rob Gronkowski was harsh for me but Tom Brady was our leader, our quarterback, he drove the team. And now Patriots fans, now maybe it’s the heart…

Julian Edelman is small and tough, focused and driven… He is passionate. A passionate Patriot, there’s not much better. 

He wasn’t THE best wide receiver in the league if you go by statistics. But who cares about statistics right now? This guy is fearless. He is simply put… Awesome. 

And now Patriots fans, have we lost our identity? 

Who remains from the Patriots way? 

WE DO!!

Sure, we’ve loved and lost. We will never forget those that fought passionately. Gave themselves on the field. Six Super Bowls baby!!

We have bore witness to greatness, over and over again. And it’s difficult sometimes to not look at the past, the future is so unknown. 

Now it’s fair to say the stock of passionate Patriots isn’t fully depleted. There’s plenty of love for the defence, the offensive line and the secondary. David Andrews, Matthew Slater and James White to just kick off the list. 

But! Players will come and go. We will cry, we will cheer, we will be here. We are Patriots Nation and we will go on! 

Patriots Draft Primer – Quarterback

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Source: AL.com

Today the “Patriots Draft Primer” segment will take a look at the Quarterback position.  

Where we stand:

The Patriots quarterback room is currently made up of Cam Newton, Jarrett Stidham, and Jacob Dolegala.

Rumors and analyst commentary have been circulating in recent weeks that Cam Newton’s passing ability will be much better in 2021. Personally, I think that is a cop out statement. It really can’t be any worse than it was in 2020 so of course it is going to be better. Newton has never been known for his accuracy and perhaps his best days are behind him. The Patriots aren’t asking Cam to be Tom, but he must be better than what he showed last season. His style of play seeks out contact at times which is no way to sustain a healthy QB in the NFL. He needs to take care of the ball (both when throwing and when mobilizing outside of the pocket) and know when to get down. Newton’s mechanics, mainly his footwork, were awful during 2020. I expect to see a better performance in 2021 but I am not sure it will be enough, and he isn’t the long-term answer.  

I am a big Jarrett Stidham fan from his days at Baylor. He showed promise early on as a gun slinger that translated well to his first year at Auburn. The talks after the 2017 season were that Stidham would be a first round selection in the NFL draft the following year. Stidham was truly a victim of circumstance during the 2018 Auburn season that saw him play behind a decimated offensive line along with his top two pass catching options out with injuries. Gus Malzahn’s wonky Auburn system also did no favors for a QB looking to show off his arm talent. The other rumored landing spots of Texas Tech, Texas A&M, or Oregon would have been better landing spots to showcase his skills.

During his first preseason Jarrett put up the best preseason numbers of any quarterback in the Belichick era, including those of Tom Brady and Jimmy G. However, his in-season performances have been less than stellar whenever he has seen game action. Having no 2020 preseason most likely hurt his development, but one would have to think that with all the shake up in 2020 if the staff felt like Stidham had what it took then he would have received a few starts down the stretch. Stidham has the arm, poise, and maturity to be the Patriots starter, but he has yet to show the decision-making ability. I want this to happen so badly, but I think this ship has sailed. Stidham has two more years remaining on his contract.


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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.

Patriots Draft Primer – Defensive Tackle

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David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Rolling on with our new “Patriots Draft Primer” segment we will focus in on the Defensive Tackle position.

Where we stand:

The Patriots addressed this position in the off season by bringing in Davon Godchaux and locking up Lawrence Guy long term. They also signed Montravius Adams and Henry Anderson (who projects as more of a Defensive End but can flash into the middle if needed). The above-mentioned join Akeem Spence, Byron Cowart, Carl Davis, Michael Barnett, and Bill Murray to round out the group of true Defensive Tackles.

Lawrence Guy is the most underappreciated defender on the Patriots. He does the little things that do not show up on the stat sheet but are necessary for a successful defense. He slides right back into the #1 DT spot on the depth chart. I do not expect big things from Godchaux or Adams as they will primarily be used as run stuffers. Godchaux has a lengthy injury history and barely any NFL statistics. Adams can be a rotational depth piece on early downs. As things stand now, I would slot Byron Cowart as the #2 DT. I have been impressed with his body of work as he continues to gain more game reps.

What we need:

Our current list of Defensive Tackles leans heavily toward run defenders. We do not have anyone aside from Lawrence Guy who can apply pressure up the middle on passing downs. The Patriots struggled with this middle pressure throughout the entire 2020 season. There are however a good number of options to address this need in the 2021 NFL draft.

Draft Options:

There are roughly 45 Interior Defensive Linemen prospects in this year’s NFL Draft. If the Patriots do not want to spend on the sure thing Barmore at pick #15 then I am all for Nixon, Williams, or Twyman (my personal favorite).    

Christian Barmore – 1st Round Grade – Alabama

Explosive, bully to blockers, finds the ball, quick, impressive production within the SEC. Needs to be better conditioned. Versatile. The best pass rushing DT in the draft class. Can struggle in the run game.

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Patriots Draft Primer – Wide Receiver

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Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Today kicks off our new segment titled “Patriots Draft Primer” that will focus in on a highlighted position of need leading up to the April 29th NFL Draft. We begin with the Wide Receiver position.

Where we stand:

News broke today that Julian Edelman is doubtful to play a full 2021 season due to his knee injury. Even if he sees some field time Julian is a shell of his former self. The wear and tear of injuries from being Brady’s security blanket over the years is taking its toll. I wouldn’t be shocked to see Edelman hang them due to this.

Aside from Edelman the WR room consists of:

Nelson Agholor
Kendrick Bourne
N’Keal Harry
Jakobi Meyers
Gunner Olszewski
Devin Smith
Isaiah Zuber
Kristian Wilkerson
Matthew Slater (Primarily Special Teams and a blocking decoy)

What we need:

The two traits that this Wideout group lacks are a speed deep threat to take the top off the defense and a big bodied receiver not named N’Keal Harry.

Lets first address the need for speed. The Patriots have been one of the slower wideout groups in the NFL over the past decade. It is almost as if Belichick is afraid of speed. In a league where offenses are spreading wide receivers out and passing more than ever it is fair to say that speed kills. Just take a look at the Chiefs, Bucs, Cowboys, or Falcons Wideout rooms that are laced with speed. The Patriots have also struggled to gain separation which can be solved be increasing our WR speed. They partially addressed this with the addition of Agholor, but I would like to see another piece. Speed depth is crucial in building an offense that is a threat. The chiefs for example have arguably the top WR in the NFL with Tyreek Hill. Surrounding Hill’s speed they had burners in Sammy Watkins, Mecole Hardman, and Byron Pringle who all had around or below 4.4 speed. This speed depth helps create mismatches against lesser cornerbacks and has the defense secondary always on their heels thinking deep.

Next let’s look at the need for a big bodied WR. N’Keal Harry has the size at 6-3 225 pounds but is afraid to use it. The man is bigger than the majority of secondary players in the NFL, yet he goes down so easily on end around carries when a 6-foot corner back attempts an arm tackle while falling down off the block. There is no excuse for this. Harry should be breaking these using his frame and muscle every time. It leads me to believe that this is a mental battle with Harry more than anything else. Harry has been the discussion of numerous trade talks, but in all honesty, I believe the Patriots hold on to him for one more year. His value potential exceeds the 4th or 5th rounder we will receive in return. The Patriots may defer on this style of WR given the two big Tight Ends they just signed in Free Agency, but it is still worth taking a look at.

Draft Options:

There are 65+ realistic WR options in this year’s NFL draft. Expect the Patriots to double dip on the WR position in some way during the 7 rounds. Here are some fits that would work in the Patriots system.

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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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