2021 NFL Draft: One perfect prospect for all 32 teams
By Randy Gurzi
New England Patriots: Davis Mills, QB, Stanford
Bill Belichick is not using an early pick on a quarterback. Last season, it seemed as though he could try and draft someone such as Jordan Love after losing Tom Brady in free agency but that never happened. They also never went all-in on a free agent replacement, signing Cam Newton late in the offseason last year and bringing him back in 2021 despite the struggles he had in Josh McDaniels’ system.
Even with the Patriots going 7-9, it’s hard to give up on Belichick. He knows how to win and they did surround Newton with more weapons this offseason and even added some studs on defense during their free-agency spending spree.
The moves they made — which include signing Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith, and Nelson Agholor — could help Newton put up better numbers in 2021. If so, that would give them more time to groom their next starting quarterback, which could be Davis Mills should they elect to bring in the Stanford signal-caller.
Mills just feels like a New England quarterback. He’s perfectly built for the pocket at 6-foot-4 and 222-pounds and is incredibly accurate on the short and intermediate throws. His skill as a quick-tempo passer in a timing-based offense is perfect for Josh McDaniels but he will need time to develop after playing in just 14 games collegiately.
New England would be able to afford him that time with Newton set as the starter for 2021.