Patriots late-round 2021 NFL mock draft 2.0: Belichick selects dynamic RB

How will New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick attack the 2021 NFL Draft?

Well, if he is as aggressive as he was in the first day of free agency, the best way to forecast his draft selections is to expect the unexpected.

Actually, that is how it is anyway when it comes to the draft mind of GM Belichick, but after addressing an area of needs via free agency, one has to wonder what he will do in this draft, particularly on Day 2 and Day 3.

With the obvious need being quarterback, exactly how will Belichick fill or add depth at some of the other Patriots areas of need will be both interesting and fascinating.

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So following our Mock draft 2.0 which involved a couple of trades, here is our late-round mock draft 2.0 which adds an exciting playmaker to the mix to lead it off.

Round 5 No.177:  New England Patriots select Michael Carter – RB North Carolina

Following a busy free agency, the one area of need for the New England Patriots is the running back position.

With rumors that the team were sniffing around some of the top free agent running backs at the beginning of free agency suggest they feel it is a need despite having Damien Harris, Sony Michel and re-signing James White.

I can see them going the running back route to start Day 3 if they don’t address the need in the earlier rounds.  But, following our Mock Draft 2.0, we have Bill Belichick going Carolina Blue and drafting exciting running back Michael Carter.

Coming off a final collage season in which he rushed for 1,245 yards on 156 attempts and 9 touchdowns, the 5-foot-8, 202 pound-running back would be the ultimate replacement for White when the team decides to move on.

Alone with his rushing numbers, Carter has proved he can catch the ball out of the outfield with 25 receptions for 267 yards and three touchdowns.

In all, his lightning quick feet and hard running style actually makes him an eventual upgrade from White and also gives the team some insurance in case Harris or Michel goes down with injury.

Given the team’s strength along the offensive line and two tight end set with Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith, this selection of Michael Carter could prove to be valuable as they would be adding an explosive running back in the back field with the ability to turn short plays into exciting long plays.

We wouldn’t be mad at all if Bill Belichick selected this stud if he is available in the fifth round.