New England Patriots: 5 Perfect fits in the 2021 NFL Draft
Bill Belichick must set his sights set on winning the AFC East, with a new quarterback the New England Patriots must rely on the 2021 NFL Draft.
For decades, the New England Patriots had an identity with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. The Patriot Way was about playing defense and relying on the arm of a future Hall of Fame quarterback. Defensively, the Patriots took major blows thanks to free agency and COVID opt-outs. Without their leader, Dont’a Hightower, the defense suffered against the run.
Opponents averaged over 130-yads per game. Having Hightower and Patrick Chung back will help them tremendously. Still, Belichick must look toward the draft for an interior lineman to help their run defense and a young safety.
Their biggest loss was Tom Brady, who took his talents to Tampa Bay. Cam Newton came in looking to reestablish himself as a starting quarterback in the NFL. Filling Brady’s shoes was an impossible task to start. What made it more difficult was the lack of weapons on the offense.
Damiere Byrd was the team’s No. 1 target in 2020, starting in 13 games. He finished with career highs but did now any promise of being anything more than a third option. They also didn’t have any help at the tight end spot either.
No matter who’s playing quarterback for the Pats, they need to add weapons. If the Patriots hope to return to AFC East relevancy, it starts with the 2021 NFL Draft. And the following five prospects would be perfect fits.
New England Patriots perfect draft fit No. 5: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
Bill Belichick must address the offense early. Sure, he may look to trade down, but the No. 15 pick isn’t an attractive one. However, it’s an excellent spot to get a pass-catching playmaker. Several mocks have University of Florida Kyle Pitts going to the Patriots at No. 15. However, a few things can happen. A team could jump the Pats to take Pitts, or one of the top three receivers could fall to them.
Alabama’s Jaylen Waddle could fall outside the top 10. The rise of DeVonta Smith and Waddle’s injury could net the Pats an electric playmaker. An injury robbed him of his 2021 season, but he has plenty of tape showing why he’s a first-round lock. At 5-10 and 182 pounds, Waddle has elite speed, an element missing from the Patriots offense.
Josh McDaniels has shown the willingness to exploit defenses over the top as he did with Brandin Cooks. Waddle is a lot like the underrated Cooks in terms of size and big-play ability. He averaged 19 yards per catch over his career. The Junior wide out excels as a deep route runner, but he’s shown the ability to pull away underneath.
Waddle makes his money after the catch, weaving through traffic, making defenders miss. He’s an electric player, a home run threat with YAC ability. Of course, if Waddle isn’t there, Pitts is a great option — and so is Micah Parsons, who’ll likely fall out of the top 10.