New England Patriots: 6 biggest offseason rumors and questions in 2021
5. The New England Patriots draft
In finishing the 2020 NFL season with a 7-9 record, the New England Patriots not only will have a lot of holes to fill, but they will also be selecting the highest they have since 2008 when they drafted Jerod Mayo.
Assuming Bill Belichick actually keeps the pick and doesn’t trade down in the draft for more picks, the Patriots will have a great opportunity to find the next quarterback, a big-time playmaker or someone who can be an upgrade at key defensive positions.
Who will the New England Patriots draft with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft?
Unless top quarterback prospects like Ohio State’s Justin Fields, BYU’s Zack Wilson or North Dakota State’s Trey Lance fall to them at No. 15, the Patriots may fill another desperate need at that position and draft a quarterback later in the draft.
One player who projected to be selected at that spot is Florida tight end Kyle Pitts. The 6-6, 246-pound tight end would be a major upgrade at the tight end position but given Belichick’s track record he will probably go defensive that high in the draft.
Notre Dame linebacker Jeremiah Osusu-Koramoah and Alabama defensive tackle Christian Bamore are names to watch if that is the case. There is also the possibility the New England Patriots could select quarterback Mac Jones, which would add to the Belichick and Nick Saban connection.
If the Patriots actually move up in the draft, this question and the rumors surrounding the draft will only get more fascinating.