Patriots: Latest draft buzz from insider is most confusing yet

The 2021 NFL Draft is inching closer, and there’s still minimal clarity with regards to what Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots will end up doing with the No. 15 pick.

While they could trade up for a franchise quarterback or potential star wide receiver, trading down to acquire more capital is always on the table.

If Belichick fails to secure a trade-up for one of the top quarterbacks, he could look to add a star linebacker in the middle of the defense, beef up the backfield with a running back, or grab a defensive back that can contribute to an already stacked secondary.

If we know anything about Belichick, however, it’s the fact that he isn’t going to let an über-talented player fall out of his grasp just because they might be blocked by a potential starter. That “best player available” mentality could lead to the head coach shocking the world with his draft pick.

According to Doug Kyed of NESN, the Patriots might have their eyes on USC offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker in the first round due to the fact Trent Brown is going to be a free agent after this year.

If that master plan doesn’t come to fruition, the Patriots have their eyes set on Miami edge rusher Jaelan Phillips.

This might be confusing, as offensive tackle and defensive end aren’t critical needs, but these two could be prototypical Pats players.

Could the Patriots draft Alijah Vera-Tucker or Jaelan Phillips?

While Kyed hinted at the possibility of Vera-Tucker playing tackle, he has commonly been scouted as a guard, and a good chunk of the league will likely agree with that line of thinking. However, if they do stick him at tackle, there’s a lot to like.

Vera-Tucker is extremely athletic, firing off of the snap and making blocks at the second level with ease. In a run-heavy offense, Vera-Tucker could either take over for Isaiah Wynn at left tackle or bump inside, moving Michael Onwenu to right guard, which would help the team to start phasing out Shaq Mason.

If Vera-Tucker is off the board, Phillips would be quite the consolation prize. While he had just one year of starting experience, he was one of the best-testing defensive ends in the modern era from an athletic perspective, and it makes sense that someone that big with legitimate 4.5 speed and a solid year on the field in the ACC is on Belichick’s radar.

While these two players might not be the best fits for New England purely from a need-filling perspective, they are among the most talented in this class regardless of position.