Patriots 4-round 2021 NFL mock draft 1.0: Bill Belichick is on the clock
Round 1 No. 15: Gregory Rousseau – Edge, University of Miami
There are many options at the No. 15 spot for the New England Patriots including at the quarterback, tight end and wide receiver position, but the safe bet for Belichick this high up in the draft is to go defensive.
That is where defensive end Gregory Rosseau presents an intriguing option for Belichick in his quest to strengthen his defensive front.
834. . Edge. Hurricanes . Gregory Rousseau. 15. player
With J.J. Watt out there in free agency, picking a young stud who can get after the quarterback at this spot suddenly upgrades the Patriots pass rush if they are able to bring in a veteran like Watt along with the return of multi-purpose linebacker Dont’a Hightower.
Like Hightower, Rousseau opted out in 2020, but recorded 15.5 sacks in 2019 and is described as an underdeveloped talent with “exciting physical skill set.”
In all, surrounding him with veteran leadership along with the guidance of Belichick could propel Rousseau into an impact player for years to come, especially with his ability to rush from the outside as well as from the interior. So, if Rousseau is available at this position and the Patriots don’t move up or back in the draft, this defensive stud is a good bet at No. 15.