INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 10: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots watches the action during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on December 10, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Patriots are on a mission to rejoin the playoffs in 2021. That means they need to nail the 2021 NFL Draft to replenish their roster talent.
Seeing Tom Brady reach the Super Bowl with his new team has to give everyone associated with the Patriots mixed feelings. It also will inspire Bill Belichick to make sure New England doesn’t miss the postseason for a second consecutive year.
A big part of the Patriots’ rebuilding process will need to occur through the 2021 NFL Draft. New England doesn’t have a third rounder as a result of their video fiasco with the Bengals. The organization does have picks in every other round with the addition of an extra selection in Round 6.
As usual, it’s safe to expect the Patriots to conduct their draft business purely based on their own board. No other franchise in the NFL is more willing to go against conventional wisdom than New England. Predicting Belichick’s behavior is difficult, but the following 7-round mock gives fans a roadmap of where the Patriots might be heading.
15
Kadarius Toney
Wide receiver Florida
Patriots fans want to see a franchise quarterback selected at this spot, but that would likely require an expensive trade. Instead, look for Belichick to add arguably the most explosive playmaker in this year’s class to his receiver ranks in 2021.
Toney isn’t getting the same love from draft experts as guys like Devonta Smith, Ja’Marr Chase, and even Jaylen Waddle. That’s largely because he lacks the size to thrive as an outside receiver in the NFL.
The Patriots are going to focus on what Toney can do for their offense. Namely, he can step right in and be a dangerous weapon in the slot. New England needs more guys who can turn mundane plays into explosive touchdowns. That makes Toney a great fit for them in Round 1.