Patriots big board for Day 2 of the NFL Draft

With a long-term plan at quarterback now on the roster, the Patriots can turn their attention to building up the rest of their team in the final six rounds of the 2021 NFL Draft. That process begins on Friday, with Rounds 2 and 3. The Patriots’ are scheduled to pick at 46 (second-round) and 96 (third-round) overall.

Day 2 is always an interesting one for the Patriots. Of course, there’s their history of second-round defensive backs. In the third round, they’ll have to make a decision on the 96th pick, A.K.A the Tom Brady comp pick. That could turn into a wild trade tree, à la the Jimmy Garoppolo pick in 2018.

There’s also the possibility of a trade. NFL Network’s Mike Giardi said earlier this week the team is concerned with their 50-pick gap, and could look to move up or add assets in between.

As it stands now though, the Patriots are scheduled to make just those two picks, so that’s what we’ll focus on. Here’s some players to watch who project to be on the board at each pick at key positions of need.

• Offensive Tackle

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  • Teven Jenkins, Oklahoma State (46)
  • Sam Cosmi, Texas (46)
  • Dillon Radunz, North Dakota State (46)
  • Spencer Brown, Northern Iowa (96)
  • Stone Forsythe, Florida (96)

  
  With Trent Brown and Isaiah Wynn both entering the final year of their contracts, the Patriots have a chance to cross off a need a year early. Teven Jenkins was graded by many as a first-round talent, and could be a steal if he falls to 46. If the Patriots want to wait a bit, both Spencer Brown and Stone Forsythe offer the overpowering size the team has trended towards at the position.

• Cornerback

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  • Tyson Campbell, Georgia (46)
  • Ifeatu Melifonwu, Syracuse (46)
  • Kelvin Joseph, Kentucky (96)
  • Elijah Molden, Washington (96)
  • Ambry Thomas, Michigan (96)

  
  Like tackle, cornerback is a spot where the Patriots can get ahead of a projected need by a year. Plus, we all know how Bill Belichick tends to gravitate towards defensive backs in the second round. Georgia’s Tyson Campbell is an intriguing high-upside pick at 46. Ambry Thomas might be available a little later on - he’s a stronger fit for the Patriots’ traditional No. 2 corner mold, and would continue the run of Michigan players making their way to Foxborough. 

• Safety

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  • Trevon Moehrig, TCU (46)
  • Jamar Johnson, Indiana (46)
  • Richie Grant, UCF (46)
  • Jevon Holland, Oregon (96)
  • Tyree Gillespie, Missouri (96)

  
  Sticking with the theme of finding potential replacements a year ahead of time, the slide on safeties could give the Patriots a shot at drafting the next Devin McCourty. No safeties went in the first round, so this board is pretty stacked. Moehrig might be gone by 46, but he checks all the boxes for a Patriots deep safety. Don’t rule out the team possibly getting aggressive in the third round and reaching a bit for Tyree Gillespie, who would be a great fit.
• Linebacker

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  • Nick Bolton, Missouri (46)
  • Joseph Ossai, Texas (46)
  • Jabril Cox, LSU (46)
  • Baron Browning, Ohio State (46)
  • Pete Werner, Ohio State (96)
  • Dylan Moses, Alabama (96)

  
  The Patriots could go with an inside linebacker to add depth behind Dont’a Hightower, or an outside linebacker to upgrade their pass rush. Both options are on the board at 46, with Nick Bolton as the downhill run stopper and Joseph Ossai as a hybrid linebacker/end who can get after the quarterback. Baron Browning is also an intriguing pick, having drawn come comparisons to Jamie Collins.

• Wide Receiver

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  • Rondale Moore, Purdue (46)
  • Elijah Moore, Ole Miss (46)
  • Nico Collins, Michigan (96)
  • Amari Rodgers, Clemson (96)
  • Amon-Ra St. Brown (96)

  
  Of course, wide receiver remains a possibility for the Patriots. Four of the five players listed are slot options, as the team looks for a long-term replacement for Julian Edelman. However the fifth player - Nico Collins - stands out as a fit for what the Patriots’ like in receivers. His game is very similar to N’Keal Harry, but obviously he won’t cost a first round pick. Could the team bring him in to push and potentially eventually replace Harry as the main ‘X’ receiver? 

For more NFL Draft coverage check out the Patriots Draft Hub 

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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 abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.