ESPN Draft Expert Predicts Patriots Will Get Top-5 Talent at No. 15

The 2021 NFL Draft is making headlines these days, and the New England Patriots are expected to make a big move. Todd McShay from ESPN said Bill Belichick and his assistants will get a linebacker at No. 15.

McShay reported that New England will get Penn State’s athletic linebacker Micah Parsons. Boston.com considers him a top-5 prospect. He may not be the best option for the Patriots, but his addition will sure help the team.

The Patriots ranked 26^th in the league in run defense this past season.

A big draft for the Patriots

McShay reported that Trevor Lawrence will join the Jacksonville Jaguars at No.1. The New York Jets will get Zach Wilson at No.2, and the Carolina Panthers will trade with the Miami Dolphins to get North Dakota State’s Trey Lance. Parsons may be a really good fit for the Patriots.

“No, one of the top five quarterbacks isn’t available, but this isn’t a bad consolation prize for coach Bill Belichick. Parsons — my No. 4 prospect overall — slides to the No. 15 pick here because of unique circumstances following a rush on QBs and wide receivers. Dont’a Hightower will be back after opting out of the 2020 season and Chase Winovich has been disruptive off the edge, but Parsons gives Belichick a true sideline-to-sideline linebacker who can do a little bit of everything. And if the team moves on from Hightower after the 2021 season when he is set to be a free agent, Parsons would be the QB of this defense going forward. 

“As for QB of the offense, it doesn’t seem to be in New England’s nature to trade up for one. Watch the free-agent market closely and keep an eye on what happens with former Patriot Jimmy Garoppolo, but if it comes down to the draft, the Patriots might have to look to Day 2 if all five QBs are indeed off the board.”

This makes perfect sense. New England may not ignore their need for extra receiving power with playmaking ability. Will they bypass Pitt’s college teammate Kadarius Toney.

New England will have to make several decisions in the offseason. They need to cover a few empty spots.