Patriots Make a Splash Before The Draft Even Begins
Pat Lane did his seven-round mock draft for head coach Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. He believes that the Patriots will make a splash before the draft begins. Lane has Belichick sending three draft picks to a division rival in order to provide quarterback depth.
Trade: Patriots trade 2-46, 4.120, and a 2022 3rd-round pick to New York to get Sam Darnold
The New York Jets will draft a quarterback second overall. Maybe they will reach an agreement with the Patriots. Darnold will be 24 at the start of the 2021 NFL season. Belichick won’t find a better option for their QB situation at the same asking price.
Trade: Patriots trade 1-15 to Tennessee for 1-22 and 2-53
Following the Darnold trade, New England doesn’t have a selection between the 15th and 96th overall picks. They will have to fill in the gap, and there are several trade options.
Trade: Patriots trade 1-22 to New Orleans for 1-28 and 2-60
New England moves down the list a second time, filling in picks in the second round after trading their players to the Jets.
Patriots to cover up empty holes in the draft.
1st round, 28th overall: LB Nick Bolton, Missouri
The Patriots need help in the front seven, and Bolton is a good fit.
2nd round, 53rd overall: WR Rondale Moore, Purdue
New England needs playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. Moore is explosive power and he can sure help the Patriots win games.
Trade: Patriots trade 2-60 to Cleveland for 4-110 and a 2022 2nd-round pick
The Patriots send the 60th overall pick to Cleveland and get a fourth-round selection and an extra second in 2022.
3rd round, 96th overall: DT Tyler Shelvin, LSU
Shelvin measures at 6 feet 4, 360. He is a big man and New England can use him as a nose tackle.
Big names for the Patriots
4th round, 110th overall: OT D’Ante Smith, East Carolina
Smith was great at the Senior Bowl. His athleticism is excellent, and he can easily add more weight to the frame. Smith may be an option as the Patriots’ left tackle.
4th round, 139th overall: WR Shi Smith, South Carolina
Belichick double-dips at wide receiver at the end of the fourth round of the draft. Smith can offer some great talents. He isn’t a gifted athlete, but he can win at the line.
4th round, 145th overall: QB Jamie Newman, Wake Forest/Georgia
The Patriots may use a fourth-round pick on a young quarterback. Newman has great traits and his performance is promising.
5th round, 159th overall: CB Israel Mukuamu, South Carolina
The Patriots may address their cornerback situation earlier in the NFL draft if they get rid of Stephon Gilmore. They may take Mukuamu in the fifth round.
6th round, 197th overall: RB Javian Hawkins, Louisville
He is small yet explosive. He was great at Louisville but will have to work on the balls from the backfield.
6th round, 199th overall: WR Josh Palmer, Tennessee
Palmer was amazing at the Senior Bowl. They may take three wideouts in the draft. Belichick has already taken two players at the same position in multiple occasions.
7th round, 241st overall: G Tommy Kraemer, Notre Dame
He is a big and physical player on the inside of the offense. Kraemer had some health issues to deal with, but he can be a rotational player for Belichick’s team.
Rob Gronkowski Writes Letter to Bill Belichick After Dominant Win Over Jets
Patriots’ Teammates React To Josh Gordon’s Suspension
The Patriots’ Youngest Position Coach Earned Bill Belichick Trust
About The Author
R. M.
Radmila graduated with a degree in Translation & Interpreting. She is an NBA and NFL writer for The Ball Zone, and has been covering popular sports topics for several years. A loyal Lakers fan, she puts energy into reporting big roster moves, potential trades, on-court-accomplishments, and off-court rumors.
