Patriots Mock Draft 2.0: Long-term approach

Author Alex Barth

April 1st, 2021 9:28 AM

Now that the bulk of free agency is in the rear view mirror, we have a much better idea of what the 2021 Patriots roster will look like. Needless to say, a lot has changed since Mock Draft 1.0, so it’s time for an update.

Because there is still about a month before the draft, some assumptions had to be made, the main one being at quarterback. For the purpose of this mock, let’s assume the Patriots’ pursuit of Jimmy Garoppolo continues through the draft and into training camp. The Niners’ desire to hold onto him remains purely smoke, Garoppolo can still demand a trade, and the price could come down as other teams figure out their respective QB situations. 

The other big assumption here is at the cornerback position. As of right now, Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson are both set to play for the Patriots next year on one-year contracts. Although things likely will change on that front, for this draft let’s pretend that stays the case.

One more note before we get into it – I’d like to remind everybody once again that mock drafts are predictions, not wish lists. These selections are based on how the Patriots have operated in the past, adjusted for their current roster.

Ok, here we go. Patriots Mock Draft 2.0.

• Round 1 Pick 15: OT Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech

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  Don’t let the acquisition of Trent Brown fool you, tackle is still a key position of need for the Patriots. Both Brown and Wynn are on the final year of their respective deals, without an obvious replacement currently on the roster for either.
  
  Enter Christian Darrisaw, one of the three best offensive tackles in a draft stacked at the position. At 6-foot-5, 314 pounds, he has the size the Patriots covet at the position, but doesn’t sacrifice any athleticism with that frame. That combination of athleticism and raw power should allow him to play either left or right tackle at the next level, something else notable to the Patriots given the current short-term situation at both spots.
  
  While many fans would probably like to see them package this pick to move up and get a quarterback, the reality is they likely don’t have the ammo to get into the top eight, where they likely need to be to grab one one of the top five players at that position. Instead, they fill what will be a need in 2022 by grabbing a tackle who they can develop for a year, then plug into the starting lineup when Wynn and/or Brown’s contract(s) expire.

• Round 2 Pick 46: CB Eric Stokes, Georgia

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  Much like at tackle, the future of the Patriots' top two corners is unclear beyond 2021. It’s unlikely the team will hold onto both J.C. Jackson and Stephon Gilmore long-term, and with Jason McCourty still a free agent there’s no clear next man up at the outside corner position.
  
  Stokes is a former track star, but he’s not one of those prospects whose hype is tied just to his speed. At 6-foot-1, he has the size to battle with bigger receivers, and can make his presence felt pressing at the line and hand fighting down field. He also doesn’t tend to sell out for INTs, going for pass breakups instead - something that should stand out to Patriots coaches. As a three year starter for the Bulldogs, he had 26 pass breakups and four picks.
  
  Tackling has been the biggest issue in his game as a three-year starter at Georgia. He’ll need to add weight and muscle in the NFL, but once he does that Stokes has the upside to be a starting-caliber cornerback. Down the road, he could play opposite Gilmore or Jackson, whoever the Patriots end up keeping between the two.

• Round 3 Pick 96: Trade

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  Patriots get:

  • 2022 2nd-round pick
  • 2023 3rd-round pick

  Cardinals get:

  • 96th overall pick (3rd round)
  • 122nd overall pick (4th round)
  • 139th overall pick (4th round)

  
  The Patriots need to consolidate picks in this year’s draft. At the same time, they’ll likely be in the market for a QB next season, so the more premium assets they have in 2022 the better position they’ll be in to trade up.
  
  Arizona is squarely in win-now mode, but is tight against the cap, doesn’t have a ton of draft capital, and still has holes to fill on the roster. The Patriots take advantage of that situation, adding a top-60 pick in next year’s draft. According to the Bill Belichick trade chart, the Patriots give up 80 points worth of picks in this deal, and receive 82 in return.
• Round 4 Pick 120: RB Demetric Felton, UCLA

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  Pass-catching running back is a key and understated role in the Patriots’ offense. During his time in New England, Bill Belichick has done an excellent job maintaining a high level of talent at the position.
  
  James White was drafted right before Shane Vereen left, in order to give him time to learn the offense and be ready to take over. Before Vereen it was Danny Woodhead, and before Danny Woodhead it was Kevin Faulk. The Patriots have never really been without talent in that spot under Bill Belichick.
  
  With White now nearing 30 years old and on a one-year deal, it’s a logical time for the team to add the next link to that chain. Felton would be a perfect fit. As a converted wide receiver, he’s arguably the most polished pass-catching back in this draft. Given the Patriots’ historical reluctance to play rookie running backs, he could sit behind James White for a year and learn the ins-and-outs of the offense, before taking over the role full time in 2022.

• Round 5 Pick 177: WR Jonathan Adams Jr., Arkansas State

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  Jonathan Adams is a 50/50 ball menace. In fact, it doesn’t even feel fair to call them 50/50 balls in the context of his game, because of how often he wins them. His size (6-foot-2), leaping ability, body control, strong hands, and catch radius resulted in circus catch after circus catch at Arkansas State, especially in the red zone.
  
  So why is a guy like that projected to be a Day 3 pick? Well, that’s about all he brings to the table. He has average speed (ran a 4.51 40 at his Pro Day), and is still developing his skills both as a route runner and creating after the catch. Those aspects of his game may take a year or two to develop to the NFL level.
  
  With the Patriots investing so heavily on pass catchers in free agency, they could afford to use a late pick on Adams and let him develop without relying on him for an immediate impact. If he has a strong enough showing in training camp and the preseason, he could grab the fifth receiver spot on the roster, making N’Keal Harry expendable and tradable. If not, they should be able to slip him onto the practice squad.

• Round 6 Pick 188: DT Khyiris Tonga, BYU

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  Bill Belichick loves a good nose tackle, and could get good value on one taking Khyiris Tonga late on Day 3. Tonga’s slide isn’t so much about him as a player, it’s more about his prototype - most teams just don’t value true nose tackles like they used to.
  
  The Patriots, however, are not one of those teams. Based on their offseason moves, they look to be switching back to a 3-4 defense, which elevates the relevance of the nose tackle position.
  
  Signing Davon Godchaux and re-signing Lawrence Guy and Carl Davis give them a solid base at the position, but after injuries ravaged the defensive line last year, Belichick could look to continue to load up. Tonga should be capable in a reserve role as a rookie, as he rounds out his game. If he can sure up his technique, he could be a starting-caliber early-down run stopper by the end of his rookie deal.
• Round 6 Pick 197: Trade

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  Patriots get:

  • 233rd overall pick (7th round)
  • 2022 6th-round pick

  Texans get:

  • 197th overall pick (6th round)

  
  The Patriots make yet another trade with the Houston Texans, as they move back into the seventh round in order to accumulate more future assets. It’s an even split - four points for four points - on the Bill Belichick trade chart.

• Round 7 Pick 233: QB Feleipe Franks, Arkansas

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  As mentioned above, the way things project right now the Patriots just don’t have the ammunition to get one of the top five quarterbacks on the board. And the reality is, after those five guys, the rest of the arms in this draft are longshot chances. They’re going to take time and work to develop.
  
  So why take the risk on a guy who more likely than not won’t become the future of the franchise with a top 100 pick? Instead, the Patriots use those picks to fortify the rest of the roster, and get their QB project in the seventh round.
  
  Franks has all of the physical tools of an NFL quarterback, both in terms of his arm and his legs. As a four-year starter, he brings plenty of experience to the table. What knocks him down to Day 3 is his slow decision making and lack of consistency, both of which he can be coached out of.
  
  If drafted by the Patriots, Franks could compete with Jarrett Stidham for the final QB spot on the roster, while still allowing the Patriots to pursue Jimmy Garoppolo or any other quarterback that becomes available. If he can’t beat out Stidham, he has the football IQ to stick on the practice squad and be a valuable member of the scout team.

• Round 7 Pick 242: LB Grant Stuard, Houston

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  Don’t be surprised if the Patriots add some kick coverage depth to their roster at or right after the draft. Cassh Maluia was released, and Brandon King hasn’t played in two years. Insurance wouldn’t be a bad thing
  
  Grant Stuard could fill that role. A four-year contributor and former captain for Houston, he was an All-AAC linebacker in 2020 but his size and range project him as a core special teams player at the next level. He plays with a high motor and isn’t afraid of contact, which is what teams will be looking for. After an impressive Senior Bowl performance, the Patriots may consider grabbing him in the seventh round instead of risking trying to get him as a UDFA.

Click here for 98.5 The Sports Hub’s complete coverage of the Patriots.

Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at [email protected].

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