2021 NFL Mock Draft: Final prediction has Patriots trade for Justin Fields

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: Justin Fields #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks to pass during the first quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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Justin Fields, 2021 NFL mock draft. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

Final 2021 NFL Mock Draft: Patriots stay aggressive trading up to No. 8

8. New England Patriots (via CAR): Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

After a season of which we haven’t seen the likes of from the New England Patriots in the past two decades in the wake of Tom Brady’s departure, Bill Belichick has been operating in an unprecedentedly aggressive manner in free agency and throughout the offseason. And there’s no reason to believe that they wouldn’t do the same in the draft.

Considering there are already reports that the Patriots and Carolina Panthers have laid the groundwork for a trade if Justin Fields falls, this seems completely logical for both parties, especially if Sewell is gone. To get it done, New England trades No. 15, 96 and 122 in this draft while also giving Carolina their 2022 first-round pick as well.

It’s a scary proposition to think about the league allowing the Patriots to make this move. Fields is being improperly downplayed at this point as he’s a terrific quarterback prospect with a strong arm, an accurate strike (despite some false claims), top-tier athleticism and an obvious leader’s mentality when you watch him play.

Putting him in New England with the opportunity to sit and learn early behind Cam Newton is ideal for the Patriots. And a new dynasty could be beginning in Foxborough.

Who I Would Pick: N/A

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