Final New England Patriots Draft Thoughts
This could end up being one of the most important drafts of Bill Belichick’s career. The first part of New England’s dynasty was full of great draft picks. However, towards the mid-2010’s the streak of finding premier talent ended and a new streak started.
New England hasn’t drafted a Pro Bowler prior to Mac Jones since Jamie Collins in 2013. This isn’t to say they hadn’t gotten good players but the well of talent ran dry in Tom Brady’s last year with the team. They barely had any talent in the Cam Newton year.
The team then had to spend over 170 million dollars in guaranteed money just to field a roster. It is a decent roster but it still has holes that must be answered through the draft. Writing this on April 27 around 10:00 pm, the most pressing needs still are CB, LB, OL, EDGE, and WR.
Needs And Possibilities
Draft season is almost to an end, this also ends the countless mock drafts. Well, at least until halfway through next year’s NFL season when teams start looking ahead again. So I won’t be doing another mock instead I’m going to briefly discuss a few guys that could fit our areas of need
Cornerback
In the first round, I could see New England targeting Kaiir Elam from the University of Florida. He has the prototype frame built for the position and also shows great play speed. Sometimes Elam doesn’t play to his size but that can be coached out. For a in-depth look at Elam check out his Prospect Profile.
Another possible CB to be picked at 21 could be Andrew Booth Jr. Although, he projects to be a starting CB in the league there some injury concerns seeing as he only played in 15 games at Clemson. The talent is undeniable when on the field but can he stay on it? Good news is Gillette Gazette also did his Prospect Profile .
A couple of later round options are Cam Taylor-Britt (Nebraska) and Zyon McCollum (Sam Houston State). They are drastically different players, Taylor-Britt is more refined as a player but doesnt have the pyschical traits that McCollum does. Britt would come in and push for a starting role right away but doesnt have anywhere near the ceiling that Zyon has with his size and speed.
Linebacker
The choice in the first round would be Devin Lloyd of Utah over Nakobe Dean from Georgia. Lloyd has excellent length and great athletism for a man of his size. He calls plays and adjusts on field. He is a three down LB with great leadership qualities and work ethic. If he is available at 21 I think he needs to be the pick, with how the LB core is shaking out. To learn more about Devin Lloyd check out his Prospect Profile.
Some later round selections could be Leo Chenal from Wisconson, He could be the best downhill LB in the class. Chenal has coverage tools that need to be worked on but he could start week one in run defense.
Qauy Walker from Georgia is one of the sideline to sideline backers in this draft. New England needs more speed and playmaking in space, Walker eats space up with ease and could be a factor in stopping these mobile QBs.
O-Line
New England has always been known for its great trenches on both sides of the ball. This year they are down a starting guard. They can move some guys around but why wouldn’t they try and attack that area in this draft.
With pick 21 they could select Bernhard Raimann Tackle out of Central Michigan, he is a higher upside guy who is a converted tight end. His size and athletisicm are off the charts he just needs more reps at the position but this guy could be a franchise LT at some point soon. I have heard rumbles of Trevor Penning to The Tackle from NDST gaining interest, but I like Raimann beter.
They could go guard at 21 and select Zion Johnson from Boston College. He is one of the safer players in the whole draft. However, New England has had luck with finding talent in the later rounds. I’d rather use this pick on another positon
Some late round guys that could be looked at are Nicholas Petite-Frere from Ohio State, Max Mitchell out of Louisanna, and Dylan Parham out of Memphis.
EDGE
This is postion we would likely have to have to draft after the first round because most of the premier talent would be gone. There is a small chance a player like Jermaine Johnson II is available there, if he is then he is the right pick. One of the best edge setters in the class he would come in and be able to play opposite side of Matt Judon. Chances are he will likely be selected.
Another player who stood out to me was Drake Jackson from USC, he is long and has a massive wingspan. Drake does great work with his hands and has a plan when he rushs the passer. Jackson really excels at stopping the run though. He made plays in the backfield regularly. He could be an excellent day two selection.
Some other options could be Alex Wright from UAB, Nik Bonitto from Oklahoma, and Boye Mafe from Minnesota
Wide Receiver
The dream scenario in this draft is that teams are afraid of Jameson Williams’ injury and he falls to a spot we can move up for him or to 21 all together. I’m almost positive this doesn’t happen.
More realistic options at 21 are Treylon Burks, And Skyy Moore. I’m not particularly high enough on either play for them to be the pick at 21.
Moore has elite quickness and route running but is short with a smaller frame. Burks reminds me too much of N’keal Harry. I know they are different players but that’s the vibe I get from him. I hope I’m wrong there
Some later guys that could be options are Khalil Shakir from Boise State, Danny Gray out of SMU, John Metchie II out of Alabama, and Kyle Philips from UCLA
Getting any of those guys with a third or fourth round pick would be a massive win for New England. In that scenario they used there first two picks on defense or offensive line, addressing key needs with possible playmakers.
Final Thought
New England has needs all over the field. They can do almost anything besides QB and RB early in this draft and have the fan base be happy.
Unless guys like Derek Stingley or Jameson Williams slide enough to move up for, I think New England will trade back. I wouldn’t hate this.
If there is a way to trade back in to the very end of the first and get a top 100 pick that’s the path I would take. A lot of the players at 21 could be there at 29