The 2021 NFL Draft is just one week away, and the New England Patriots find themselves in an interesting position. After missing the playoffs for the first time in a decade, New England went absolutely wild in free agency to rebuild their roster. However, champions aren’t built in March, and the team will need a strong draft to reclaim their dominance in the AFC East. Without further ado, let’s take a dive into this Patriots mock draft and see what New England could do when they’re on the clock.
Note: This Patriots mock draft was performed using The Draft Network’s Mock Draft Machine
New England Patriots Seven Round Mock Draft
First Round (15th Overall) – Zaven Collins, LB
The New England Patriots love big linebackers, which makes Zaven Collins an easy target. Taking him at 15 is admittedly a bit of a reach, and the Patriots would probably trade back if they wanted to make Collins their first-round pick. However, since this Patriots mock draft doesn’t include trades, we’re going to take the 6’-5”, 260-pound linebacker with the 15th overall selection.
As you’d expect from someone of his size, Collins thrives against the run and is a pretty effective blitzer. However, he also had a 93.0 coverage grade last year (per PFF), so he should be able to stay on the field for all three downs. With Dont’a Hightower getting up there in age, the Patriots could peg Collins to be the replacement at the heart of the defense.
Zaven Collins NFL Draft Profile
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Second Round (46th Overall) – Rondale Moore, WR
The Patriots went wild in free agency, but they could still use a long-term upgrade at wide receiver. Rondale Moore is a fantastic player when healthy, he just struggles to stay healthy. He’s only played in seven games over the past two seasons, but he has enough film to trust that he can turn into a great slot receiver at the next level. Perhaps what’s most impressive is that he stayed healthy as a freshman and set the world on fire to the tune of 114 receptions, 1,258 yards, and 12 touchdowns. Assuming his medicals check out, he could be a steal in the middle of the second round.
Rondale Moore NFL Draft Profile
Third Round (96th Overall) – Kellen Mond, QB
All of the first-round quarterbacks were off the board by the time the Patriots were on the clock, which means they have to settle for the next tier of passers. Mond isn’t going to be ready to start any time soon, but his potential is very intriguing. The quarterback has an absolute rocket of an arm, great mobility, and the collegiate experience that Bill Belichick usually likes in a developmental prospect. While his accuracy and timing still need some work, he’s a worthwhile dart throw that could develop into a starter down the line.
Fourth Round (120th Overall) – Tyler Shelvin, IDL
I came this close to taking Tyler Shelvin with the 96th overall pick, and I couldn’t believe he fell all the way to 120. New England needs to get younger along the defensive line, and Shelvin is one of the best options for the job. Checking in at 6’-3” and 362 pounds, Shelvin is an absolute monster of a man that cannot be moved in the trenches. While he isn’t much of a threat in the passing game, Bill Belichick will be able to get the most out of a player like Shelvin.
Tyler Shelvin NFL Draft Profile
Fourth Round (122nd Overall) – Dayo Odeyingbo, EDGE
Dayo Odeyingbo has all the traits you look for in an edge defender without any of the production. At his best, Odeyingbo looks like a mini Chandler Jones, blessed with great athleticism, long arms, and the ability to get after a quarterback. Those moments are too few and far between to justify an earlier selection, but the right coaching staff could turn Odeyingbo into one of the biggest steals in the class.
Dayo Odeyingbo NFL Draft Profile
Fourth Round (139th Overall) – Rhamondre Stevenson, RB
Sony Michel and James White are both set to hit free agency following the 2021 season, which means that the Patriots will probably add another running back at some point in the NFL Draft. Rhamondre Stevenson fits the bill as an early-down ball carrier, as his 6’-0”, 245-pound frame allows him to make great plays between the tackles. He won’t steal too many receptions, but New England rarely targets their early-down running backs in the passing game. Look for Stevenson to spend most of his rookie season on the bench before being a steady part of the committee in 2022.
Rhamondre Stevenson NFL Draft Profile
Fifth Round (177th Overall) – Marco Wilson, CB
The odds of finding good NFL players in the late rounds are very slim, which means that there is no such thing as a “safe” pick. With that in mind, we kick off the fifth round with Marco Wilson, a cornerback with fantastic athletic upside. Wilson has all the traits required to stick around the NFL, but he hasn’t been able to put it all together. Bill Belichick has a history of turning late-round and undrafted cornerbacks into regular NFL staples, and Wilson could be the next guy to join the club.
Sixth Round (188th Overall) – Simi Fehoko, WR
This isn’t the first time Simi Fehoko has made his way into the Patriots mock draft. Fehoko is far from a finished product, but the raw traits are easily enough to justify a late-round pick. He can line up wide and in the slot and is an absolute nightmare after the catch. If he can improve his route running, he could turn into a solid role player.
Sixth Round (197th Overall) – Malcolm Koonce, EDGE
The Dayo Odeyingbo selection was all about talent over production. Malcolm Koonce, meanwhile, is the exact opposite. While he lacks elite traits and could definitely lose some more muscle, the Buffalo product simply knows how to get to the quarterback. You need more than strong fundamentals and a grasp of the game to succeed in the NFL, but they’re good building blocks to have.
Seventh Round (242nd Overall) – Rachad Wildgoose, CB
I didn’t even know Rachad Wildgoose was still on the board until I made this selection. The Wisconsin product has the speed to keep up with just about any receiver and the size and build to succeed in man coverage. He plays a very physical brand of football, which can lead to penalties, but the upside easily justifies a seventh-round pick.
Rachad Wildgoose NFL Draft Profile
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