2021 NFL Draft: Patriots nab star wide receiver in full Round 1 mock

NFL Draft 2021: Patriots get their downfield weapon

Just look at this objectively: any time you can get the Heisman winner/most electric wideout in the nation/most dominant player in the National Championship Game at 15, you have to do it.

Especially if you’re in dire need of game-breaking weapon.

Of all the non-offensive players who may or may not exist at this point in Schrodinger’s Draft, Parsons is the only one Belichick should be eyeing, and his character issues give him a perfect redemption story for the Pats’ machine, too.

But this team should be looking offense, and there should be at least one of Pitts, Waddle and Smith available in New England’s slot (as well as Mac Jones, but … we wouldn’t do that to you fine people).

Belichick will be making the most educated decision possible if Smith falls to him; thanks to his intense relationship with Nick Saban, he’ll have the most information to work with of any coach in this range. If Smith gets pro raves from his ex-boss, then he’ll be a New England Patriot. He was impossible to watch and not fall in love with in big game after big game in ’20.

Based on what we’ve seen, Smith does a little bit of everything well, despite not being overwhelmingly physical. Specifically, his YAC propensity and ability to muscle the ball consistently away from bigger defenders have us envisioning him as … well, as someone who does N’Keal Harry’s job better, but can also break away downfield.

He’s our selection — as long as Saban gives the go-ahead.