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.
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)
Round 7 No. 242: Whop Philyor – Wide receiver, Indiana
The depth of this year’s draft class at the wide receiver position will have a player like Indiana’s Whop Philyor available when the New England Patriots select in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Philyor doesn’t have elite pass-catching skills, but his toughness and tenacity will remind Patriots fans of one Julian Edelman.
Here is what college football analyst Jim Mora had to say about Philyor’s draft stock:
"“[Teams} are going to have concerns about his weight and his ability to make contested catches. He’s got good hands, not elite hands. He drifts a little bit in his routes, but that can get figured out. Look, this is a tough dude, man, he’s a gritty kid. He’s a productive player. He’s been a productive player. I like the fact that he can work inside. He can get by you deep. He can get up the field and do some things long range. He’s a high-octane player.”"
Sounds exactly like the kind of slot receiver the Patriots like. And as far as size goes, the Pats have never shied away from smaller receivers so that would not be a problem.
Coming off a senior season in which he caught 54 passes for 495 yards, Philyor is a good player to take a shot at in the seventh round as they did with Edelman when he came out of Kent State.
If Belichick does not draft him here, it wouldn’t be a big surprise at all if he is signed as a undrafted free agent and makes the team that way.
In all, certainly a name to watch in the later round, especially with the first name “Whop.” Can you imagine the fun Patriots fans will have coming up with nicknames for this receiving prospect!