Patriots 2021 NFL mock draft 3.0: Bill Belichick shocks the NFL
Round 4 No. 139: Demetric Felton – Running back, UCLA
The New England Patriots did bring back James White on a one-year deal but will draft his replacement in UCLA product Demetric Felton.
At 5-foot-9, 189 pounds, Felton is the ideal dual threat as he can line up in the backfield or as a wide receiver, which may come in handy with the retirement of Julian Edelman.
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With the ability to both carry the ball and catch the ball, the Patriots could have a field day using Felton, a player who earned second-team All-Pac 12 recognition in 2020 after rushing for a team-high 668 yards with 5 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 22 passes for 159 yards to close out his career at UCLA.
With that combination of power and speed, Felton fits the third-down back role to a tee and would also serve as a nice weapon on all downs much like the Patriots have used James White in recent seasons.
With a running back depth chart of Damien Harris, Sony Michel, James White, Brandon Bolden and J.J. Taylor, Felton can sit back learn during his rookie season, unless injuries plague the running back position. Given the history of the top 2 players on the depth chart, there’s a high chance Felton could get playing time in 2021.
Given his experience in the kick return game, this dynamic athlete Bill Belichick drafts will spark some excitement in 2021 and set up the team to move on from White in 2022.