The NFL Combine is officially the thing of the past, which means mock drafts are popping up all over the place. Nobody ever knows what Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots will do come draft time, but it’s always fun to look around the league and see what the analysts are saying. Without further ado, here is a New England Patriots mock draft roundup from all around the internet.
New England Patriots Mock Draft Roundup: Nobody Knows What Bill Belichick Will Do
Daniel Jeremiah – NFL.com
Justin Herbert, Quarterback [Scouting Report]
The odds of Herbert lasting this late in the draft are slim to none, and Jeremiah himself admits that in his article. However, Jeremiah appears to be lower on Herbert than most, so in his world, the Oregon product slides down the board. Even if Tom Brady returns in 2020, the Patriots need to find an heir to the throne. New England would be thrilled if a guy like Herbert makes it out of the top 10, much less all the way to the 23rd overall pick.
NFL Mock Draft: Post-Combine Edition – Last Word on Pro Football
Justin Jefferson, Wide Receiver [Scouting Report]
No matter who’s under center in 2020, the Patriots need to add a new element to their passing attack. Julian Edelman is the only proven commodity, and even he’s getting up there in age. Justin Jefferson is an ideal fit for New England, as the LSU product has the versatility to line up in the slot and out wide. Additionally, he’s an advanced route runner with reliable hands and an impressive ability to win in contested catch situations.
Matt Miller – Bleacher Report
Patrick Queen, Linebacker
The Patriots had arguably the best defense in football last year, so investing in a linebacker might seem like a strange choice. However, upon further evaluation, this pick actually makes a decent amount of sense. Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins, and Elandon Roberts are all scheduled to hit free agency, and the Patriots won’t be able to retain all three. Dont’a Hightower had a good year in 2020, but he’s not getting any younger. Bill Belichick loves his linebackers, and New England will soon need a new defensive centerpiece.
Miller did a three-round mock draft, and had the Patriots select EDGE Kahlid Kareem, wide receiver Gabriel Davis, and offensive lineman Tyre Phillips with their three third-round picks. The odds of New England holding on to all three picks without moving around are pretty slim.
CBS Sports NFL Mock Draft
Xavier McKinney, Safety [Scouting Report]
The Patriots could use an infusion of youth at the safety position, and Xavier McKinney could be the next captain of the secondary. The Alabama product is a jack of all trades who can do a little bit of everything, which is obviously a huge selling point for Bill Belichick. Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung are both on the wrong side of 30, and Duron Harmon isn’t too far behind them. Getting someone like McKinney who can play both safety positions and slot cornerback should help shore up the defense for the foreseeable future.
The Draft Network – Laviska Shenault, Wide Receiver [Scouting Report]
Walter Football – Jake Fromm, Quarterback [Scouting Report]
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