2021 NFL Mock Draft, post-free agency: Browns land Micah Parsons, Falcons shock with Kyle Pitts

The New England Patriots decided to go ahead and head into the settings screen and turn off the salary cap. They came to terms with several free agents, including edge rushers Matt Judon and Henry Anderson, defensive tackle Davon Godchaux, linebacker Raekwon McMillan, safety Jalen Mills, tight ends Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry, and wide receivers Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne.

These signings were in addition to giving Cam Newton a second contract, which allows him the opportunity to come in and try to win the starting job again in 2021. The Patriots could look to bring in a rookie for competition but it just doesn’t feel as though that would be Bill Belichick’s M.O. at this point.

Instead, he might wait to see if another veteran comes available to challenge Cam — with Newton being the ultimate fall-back plan. As for where they go with the draft since it might not be a quarterback, we can only guess what Double B will do. In this mock, the prediction is that he takes Notre Dame linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.

Owusu-Koramoah is undersized at 216-pounds but he doesn’t play like it. He’s a player who is always around the ball and could be a stud in the defense run by New England.