2021 NFL Mock Draft, pre-free agency: Bears trade for Russell Wilson, Bengals move up for Penei Sewell

The Patriots shocked quite a few people prior to the start of the new league year with the decision to re-sign quarterback Cam Newton. Most people assumed that would not be a reunion worth making given the disappointing results of last year but the familiarity and seeming potential were worthwhile. Of course, it could also be about creating a stopgap opportunity for a year so the Pats can draft their heir apparent.

Someone like Mac Jones then would make a ton of sense going to New England. While Jones isn’t a physical freak and doesn’t have the athleticism or arm of the top four quarterback prospects in the class, he’s smart, extremely accurate and proved himself at Alabama. Bringing him in and letting him soak up the NFL on the sidelines for a year before turning him loose could be best for him and the Pats to succeed.

In all likelihood, the Cardinals could lose longtime cornerback Patrick Peterson in free agency. But even if they are able to retain the veteran former first-round pick, Arizona needs to address the position early in the 2021 NFL Draft. They are thin and, even if Peterson is back, he’s not getting any younger and this is a team that is looking towards the future.

Greg Newsome II out of Northwestern is a player who is rising quickly up draft boards and for good reason. He’s exceptionally athletic and his best moments on film will wow you. He’s got a tremendous feel for the position in coverage and has the athletic tools to hang with anyone. The big knock on Newsome is that he struggled to stay healthy but, if his medicals look good, the Cardinals would benefit from adding him to the mix.