New England Patriots: What a perfect 2021 NFL Draft would look like
A perfect New England Patriots draft would have the following characteristics but don’t expect to see names floated here, we’re talking about positions.
All the mock draft experts can predict who the Patriots will select and it’s all a lot of baloney. It’s fun baloney, but baloney nonetheless.
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So where’s the beef in all this? It’s in the positional determinations, of course. That’s where the New England Patriots will either get it right or not from Thursday through Saturday.
All or at least most of the predictions will likely come to mush by the end of those grueling days for NFL TV commentators when the last pick, the so-called Mr. Irrelevant is chosen.
No predictions herein, just a wish list for the positions the Patriots, our team, should select this weekend.
Free agency, the draft, and undrafted free agency create the season’s results to a massive extent. If you don’t pay attention to those components, you’re missing the boat, friends. Totally.
Where the New England Patriots should draft in the first 4 rounds beginning Thursday
This article is not going to belabor the point. It’s a very simple expose of where the Patriots have needs and where they should address them. No more. No less. Here we go.
First, draft a young quarterback early. Bob Kraft wants a quarterback to build around it seems. He’s the boss. And they need one.
So, if the people responsible for drafting “get it”, then a young quarterback will be drafted early in this draft, no matter the cost. That’s step one.
Second, the New England Patriots need to add solid offensive line depth. They are strong it seems in the starting lineup with the addition of Trent Brown, but after backup Ted Karras, there really is no bonafide additional talent.
This needs to be addressed, early on. Like in the second round if they still have a second-round pick. Or, in the first, if they decide to wait until the second round to select a quarterback. That’s risky, but Jimmy Garoppolo was a second-round pick, so it’s possible. Early is key.
Third, the New England Patriots have to come out of this draft with a big running back. This is a necessity and no later than the third or fourth rounds. This deficiency has cost this team massively in the past few years.
Relying on your quarterback in short-yardage situations is foolhardy at best and season-ending at worst. Just don’t do it.
Big running backs can be had in the third or fourth rounds. They don’t have to be superstars. The best in the past decade or so for New England was LeGarrette Blount and he was undrafted.
They have to be big. Tough. Unafraid of a little contact, and able to get three yards and a cloud of dust as they used to say.
And, fourth, the New England Patriots need to add another offensive guard. A big, massive type who can plug the gap between center David Andrews and the offensive tackle on whatever side he plays.
That’s it for this observer. If the Patriots meet these needs in this draft with bonafide talents, they will have had a great draft. In the later rounds, they can take the “best player available”. They often hit big later on. A smaller fast running back might be nice as well as a safety.
Patriots: Intriguing options in 2021 NFL Draft. dark. Next
This team after their massive free-agency spending spree is built to win now. Add a few capable backups, and, “Anything is possible!” Just go for it. What’s there to lose?