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New England Patriots: Top 3 draft selections, ideal NFL prospects to target

By Michael DeVito

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - AUGUST 31: Quarterback Trey Lance #5 of the North Dakota State Bison runs against the Butler Bulldogs during their game at Target Field on August 31, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - AUGUST 31: Quarterback Trey Lance #5 of the North Dakota State Bison runs against the Butler Bulldogs during their game at Target Field on August 31, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots
2021 NFL Draft prospects Trey Lance. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

The critical 2021 New England Patriots draft occurs next week and if the team finally nail a draft, it could mean the NFL playoffs – and more.

The only thing one can predict about the Patriots drafting is its unpredictability. No one ever has a clue about what the heck these guys will do in the annual NFL draft lottery.

That may be a good thing, in a way. It keeps all the fans on their toes, that’s for sure. That includes all the Patriots’ so-called draftniks, of which this author considers himself a member.

The problem is, the Patriots have made too many head-scratching picks too high up in the draft that flopped to make a fan feel comfortable at all about their player personnel abilities.

New England Patriots need to nail the 2021 NFL Draft

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This year could be different though. They have a new player personnel man in charge in Dave Zeigler, and a clear mandate from owner Bob Kraft not to mess things up. Again.

Let’s hope those two developments keep the home team from making the same deleterious mistakes that not only cost them games, but also some Super Bowl titles in the past.

It’s already been written here that this team should stay away from drafting cornerbacks, wide receivers, and defensive tackles high up in the draft.

That would be a minimum of rounds one through three and probably the fourth round, as well. They just can’t seem to get those positions right high up in the draft, so just stay away.

They should concentrate their efforts this season on these positions; a top-flight quarterback, where the need is tremendous.

Then the offensive line where they are strong at the starting positions but lack good depth; and, third, Big running back.

There, years after their last big back LeGarrette Blount and his 18 touchdowns left in 2016, they haven’t had a basher or any other back who could get a first down or touchdown in short yardage.

So here we go with some names who would help fill these needs next week.

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