Patriots late-round 2021 NFL mock draft 1.0: Ohio St LB highlights Day 3
The most famous late-round draft pick in New England Patriots history happens to be the player they are trying to move forward without.
When Bill Belichick drafted Tom Brady in the 6th round of the 2000 NFL Draft, he had no idea he was drafted a player who would become a 7-time Super Bowl champion playing well into his 40s.
Along with Julian Edelman who was selected in the 7th round of the 2009 NFL Draft, the Patriots have had quite a few players who have helped their two decades of success drafted in round 5-7 or who have even gone undrafted.
The New England Patriots have selected solid players in the late rounds of the NFL draft
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While Brady and Edelman highlight that list, players like Matthew Slater, Marcus Cannon, Ted Karras, Elandon Roberts, Rob Ninkovich and Dion Lewis were all players drafted either by the Patriots or another team in the late rounds who have found success as important role players.
With the hopes of finding a diamond in the rough like he did with 2020 sixth-round pick Michael Onwenu, Belichick will be searching players who can be that steal in the draft and have the type of impact players like Edelman, Ninkovich and yes, the great Tom Brady has had for years to come.
In this late-round mock draft, we will highlight some players who will add depth at some key areas of need and players who have the makeup to really strive under Bill Belichick and grow into solid players in the NFL.