New England Patriots final 7-round NFL mock draft: Of Fields and Belichick

Jan 11, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields (1) walks off the field after losing to the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

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2021 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 2 No. 46 – New England Patriots select Eric Stokes – CB Georgia

The New England Patriots would add fuel to the Stephon Gilmore trade rumors with the second-round selections of Georgia Bulldogs cornerback Eric Stokes.

With J.C. Jackson gearing up to be the team’s top corner, Belichick will add more youth and talent to the secondary by adding the 6-foot-1, 194-pound Stokes who was a second-team All-SEC selection in 2020.

. Cornerback. Bulldogs . Eric Stokes. 46. player. 814

Along with the speed he would add to the secondary, he is a versatile defender who is physical, challenges the ball and most-importantly for Belichick, Stokes can play special teams as well.

While most fans may be cringing at Belichick taking a corner in the second round given his recent draft history, Eric Stokes has the upside to have more success in New England than former second-round picks Duke Dawson and Cyrus Jones.

With the jury still out on JoeJuan Williams, Belichick will finally hit on a cornerback high in the draft.

Despite glaring weakness that include defending the run, Stokes is a player who could be one of the steals of the draft and wouldn’t it be classic Bill Belichick to find his Gilmore replacement in this spot.

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