Patriots Projected to Draft Athletic, Small-School Quarterback in First Round

The New England Patriots may play big in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Many believe that the Patriots will select a quarterback following the disappointing season. Veteran quarterback Cam Newton failed to meet the expectations, but head coach Bill Belichick is happy with his quarterback. He even said that Newton did everything the Patriots asked him to do. Is there any chance for the Patriots to keep Newton on the roster for another year? That’s one of the possibilities.

Analysts keep coming up with theories on Belichick’s offseason move. Some of them believe that the Patriots may go after Missouri Valley Conference quarterback.

College football season is over and now we get to know the details of mock NFL Drafts. Heisman Trophy winner and all-world Alabama wide receiver Devonta Smith goes on top of every reputable draft board.

Patriots to make a pick in the first round

Ryan Wilson from CBS Sports believes that Smith will go third to the Miami Dolphins. Smith finished Monday night’s National Championship game with 12 catches for 225 yards and three touchdowns.

Patriots would definitely find a good spot for Smith in 2021. Well, Smith will probably be gone by the time Patriots select their No.15. The team is expected to address the quarterback issue in the first round.

Wilson says the Patriots should take a quarterback at No. 15. Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, and Justin Fields will be off the board. Maybe the Patriots will go to the MVP for the next signal-caller.

According to Wilson, the Patriots may select North Dakota State star Trey Lance.

“The Patriots need a QB and the biggest question might be whether one will be available at No. 15. There’s a chance Lawrence, Wilson, Fields, Lance and even Mac Jones are all off the board. If not, Lance could have the highest upside, even though he comes from an FCS program and only played one season.”

The 6-foot-4, 230-pounder didn’t play in 2020 due to the pandemic. However, scouts were impressed with his skills in 2019. The quarterback threw for 2,786 yards, 28 TDs, and no interceptions in his sophomore season. Lance played in 16 games and completed 66.9% of his passes while rushing for 1,100 yards and 14 touchdowns. If you take a look at him, he is something between Seattle Seahawks superstar Russell Wilson and Newton in his best years.

Alabama star Mac Jones had great numbers in the Tide’s national championship win over Fields and the Buckeyes. He finished with 464 passing yards and 5 touchdown passes.