Mel Kiper Jr. Predicts Patriots First-Round Pick In 2021 NFL Draft

Head coach Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots will have to address the quarterback topic in the 2021 NFL Draft. There’s strong belief that the Patriots will get their quarterback in the first-round of the draft. Belichick will make a big move on April 29.

Mel Kiper Jr. is a strong supporter of this theory. He released his first 2021 mock draft and fans got excited. The longtime draft analyst believes that the Patriots will use the 15^th overall pick to get Alabama quarterback Mac Jones. The Heisman Finalist led the Crimson Tide to a national championship a few weeks ago.

“I’m thinking quarterback for the Patriots,” Kiper wrote. “They don’t pick this high often. Why not go and get your guy and build around him? Now, that changes if Bill Belichick & Co. can make a deal to get a veteran quarterback on the trade market or if Jimmy Garoppolo gets cut by the 49ers. …

“But with Cam Newton unlikely to return to New England, Jones could become a signal-caller to groom for offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Jones can make every throw at every level of the field, and he’s extremely accurate. Plus, we know that Belichick has drafted plenty of Alabama stars and trusts Nick Saban. Jones will be at the Senior Bowl this week, and I’m expecting him to impress. And yes, if you’re keeping count, this makes five quarterbacks in the top 15 picks.”

Patriots to address the quarterback topic in 2021

Jones has pretty much everything Belichick wants in a quarterback. However, NFL evaluators have some concerns regarding his game. Jones is not an excellent athlete. He played with great offensive players in his lone season in Alabama. Maybe he will struggle with “a more pedestrian supporting cast.” Where does this leave the Patriots?

Kiper said the Patriots may go after a veteran quarterback. Will this affect their draft strategy? Peter King is convinced that the Patriots will get Matthew Stafford with the 15^th overall pick. It’s a long offseason and Belichick hasn’t made any comments regarding his next move. NFL coaches will have to wait until March to make their first moves.