Saturday, February 6, 2021

New England Patriots 2021 NFL Mock Draft Roundup, 5.0

Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our New England Patriots Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the New England Patriots from several prominent sites and draft analysts.

The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Patriots:

NFL.com - Zierlein (2/4)

15. Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

It's hard to project where the QBs will land this year, as I expect grades to vary greatly by team. But Fields is a talented quarterback with big-game experience who will have a chance to compete for snaps immediately in New England.

NFL.com - Brooks (2/1)

15. Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

The Patriots add a versatile defender with big-play potential to the lineup. The big-bodied 'backer is a dynamic player with the capacity to blitz from inside or rush off the edges.

Akron Beacon Journal - Kadar (2/1)

15. Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa

As Tom Brady approaches his latest Super Bowl, the Patriots are at home still wondering how to replace him. New England did its best losing three out of its last four games, but odds are they'll still miss out on the top quarterback prospects in this draft. Yes, you could argue for Florida's Kyle Trask. But he just doesn't strike me as a top 15 type of player.

When he's backed up against a wall, Bill Belichick might just lean into what he knows in the draft and that is defense. After taking Kyle Dugger in the draft last year the Patriots could add another athletic defender in Collins.

The Ringer - Kelly (1/31)

15. Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

Parsons is a classic Patriots pick, an ideal fit in Bill Belichick's ever-changing, chameleon defense. The Nittany Lions star has the size and athleticism to wear any number of hats, whether Belichick asked him to cover, play the run, or even rush the passer.

USA Today - Davis (1/28)

15. Mac Jones, QB, Alabama

It didn't go so well in Year 1 post-Brady. Hard to believe the Pats' 2021 quarterback is currently on their roster, though it wouldn't be a surprise if Stafford, Jimmy Garoppolo or another veteran lands in Foxborough. Barring that, Jones, who flourished under Bill Belichick's close friend Nick Saban in 2020, could be the best option if this team goes back to deploying a capable point guard. Jones completed 77.4% of his passes and threw 41 TDs last season but obviously benefited from having outrageous talent all around him.

ESPN - Kiper (1/26)

15. Mac Jones, QB, Alabama

Like McShay, I'm thinking quarterback for the Patriots. 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.

NFL.com - Jeremiah (1/22)

15. Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

Parsons is an explosive, versatile playmaker, and the Patriots need to get faster on defense.

Baltimore Sun - Doon (1/22)

15. Mac Jones, QB, Alabama

With Cam Newton unlikely to return, the Patriots are left with Jarrett Stidham as the only quarterback on the roster. Jones isn't the most physically impressive prospect, but he showed a mastery of Alabama's RPO-heavy offense with one of the most efficient and productive seasons in college football history.

Previous update: New England Patriots Mock Draft Roundup 4.0

MORE TEAMS: All NFL Team Mock Draft Roundups

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