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

Round 6 No.188: Carlo Kemp – Defensive lineman, Michigan

Prior to free agency, defensive line depth was a key area that needed to be addressed.

With the additions of Henry Anderson, Davon Godchaux, top free agent Matt Judon and the return of Lawrence Guy, the depth certainly looks a bit better, but Bill Belichick will still draft for youth and depth.

We see him going back into the Michigan pool and drafting Wolverine’s defensive lineman Carlo Kemp with the No. 188 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

As a player with the skill to pass the rusher, Kemp would benefit in the Patriots’ system not only because two of his former teammates (Chase Winovich and Josh Uche) are currently on the team, but because he will be able to sit back and learn from veteran players like Guy, Judon and Dont’a Hightower.

This is an interesting pick because Kemp really never had an exact role at Michigan but was on the field enough to make an impact.

Given his size (6-foot-3, 286 pounds) and versatility, Kemp is a player Belichick can certainly develop into a rotational type defensive lineman who can provide inside pass rush.

During his career at Michigan, he has only totaled 5.0 sacks, but with the right coach and system, those numbers can increase.  That’s what makes the Patriots a supreme spot for this Wolverine.

Note: Pick No. 197 traded (see Odell Beckham Jr. Trade Mock Draft 1-4 2.0)