2021 NFL Draft: 5 Teams that could surprise everyone in the first round
By Randy Gurzi
2. New England Patriots
Surprises have been the name of the game for the New England Patriots this offseason. After their first losing season since the year 2000, head coach Bill Belichick decided to go all-in with fixing his roster.
A normally conservative team in free agency, New England signed wide receivers Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne. They also signed defensive linemen Davon Godchaux, Henry Anderson, and Matt Judon. If that wasn’t enough, they also picked up safety Jalen Mills and brought back Kyle Van Noy who was in Miami last season.
As much as those moves will help the Patriots, their prized signings were both tight ends as they gave huge contracts to both Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry.
The one question with all of this is whether or not Belichick and his staff will be happy with their quarterback situation. New England re-signed Cam Newton which was a bit of a surprise but his contract is heavily incentive-laden, meaning they could move on from him if they wanted to.
This makes them a team to watch in the draft. New England currently holds the No. 15 spot in the draft and could try and make a move up for one of the young signal-callers. Or, they could put a package together on draft night for Jimmy Garoppolo from the 49ers, who is set to be replaced with the third overall pick.
Whatever they decide, they’re a team to watch since it’s unlikely they will stick with the status quo under center following their huge moves made to improve the rest of the roster.