NFL Draft Analyst Sets Expectations For Patriots 2021 First-Round Pick

The New England Patriots have to boost their offense, and head coach Bill Belichick may use the first-round pick to get the player he needs.

Well, the Patriots may actually use the No. 15 overall on a defensive player.

Lance Zierlein from NFL Media went on WEEI’s “Dale and Keefe” to discuss the Patriots’ first pick. According to him, the team will switch plans and avoid picking a quarterback or a wide receiver in the first round.

“I think more than likely the positions you’re talking about with the Patriots draft, you’d have to move up a little bit for your quarterback or your wide receiver,” Zierlein said. “I don’t see the Patriots trading up for a wide receiver. It definitely doesn’t show up in their draft history under Bill Belichick.”

Patriots to play smart with their first-round pick

The Patriots have enough cap space to get the players they need. They may target offensive playmakers in free agency. They may get a veteran quarterback in the open market or through a trade.

New England could really use a top quarterback or wideout prospect at No.15.

Todd McShay from ESPN created his mock draft and suggests that the top five quarterbacks will be picked within the first nine selections. Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, Justin Fields, Trey Lance and Mac Jones are not really an option for the Patriots.

McShay predicts the Patriots would land Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons at No. 15.

“I would say more than likely where you’re drafting, pass rush, that is where the pass rushers are going to start coming off the board,” Zierlein said, per WEEI.com. “There’s some high-upside, low-floor guys. Some guys that really have some athletic talent. I think Bill Belichick is going to like there in the middle of the first. Possibly even an outside shot at a corner if that is something he wanted.

” … Offensive line and pass rush is where the middle of the first round is where you should see a run start somewhere around there on those positions.”