Patriots 2021 NFL Draft Tracker: First-round pick and stories to watch

After months of planning, deliberation, and questioning, the New England Patriots are finally set to make their first few selections in the 2021 NFL Draft.

The Patriots limped to a 7-9 finish last season, their first without Tom Brady in two decades, and they are considered a contender to trade up for a quarterback like Trey Lance, Justin Fields, or Mac Jones.

Trading up would be a very uncharacteristic move for Bill Belichick, but it’s not out of the realm of possibility.

The Patriots will start the draft off with 10 selections, though that number is likely to change due to Belichick’s willingness to move up and down the draft order.

Will the Patriots strike out once more and end up with another N’Keal Harry?

Or will they turn it around and contend next year?

New England Patriots draft picks in the 2021 NFL Draft

• Round 1: No. 15 
• Round 2: No. 46 (TRADE UP TO 38)
• Round 3: No. 96 
• Round 4: No. 120
• Round 4: No. 122 (from Arizona)
• Round 4: No. 139 (compensatory)
• Round 5: No. 177 
• Round 6: No. 188 (from Houston)
• Round 6: No. 197 
• Round 7: No. 242 

The Patriots could try to solve their quarterback quandary, but that is far from the only area of need that Belichick and the rest of the front office will look to address.

Despite the fact they signed Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne in the offseason, New England could take one of the top receivers in this draft if they fall to No. 15. The offensive line is far from set in stone, and Belichick could add depth at one of the most important positions in football.

On defense, Dont’a Hightower is getting older, and they could look to find a replacement alongside Josh Uche and Kyle Van Noy. With Stephon Gilmore still potential trade bait, don’t rule out the potential selection of a cornerback with a premium pick. 

One way or the other, New England’s franchise trajectory will change dramatically after tonight. Should that be for better or worse, we’ll find out as the night goes along.

Patriots First-Round Pick: Mac Jones, QB, Alabama (15th overall)

The Patriots stayed exactly where they began, and after some Justin Fields flickering hope, got Mac Jones right in their laps. QB of the future. It begins.

Patriots Second-Round Pick: Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama (Trade Up)

Phenomenal pick. New England saw another Bama star and took advantage using their capital.

Patriots Third-Round Pick: Ronnie Perkins, DE, Oklahoma

Slightly questionable character. Extremely obvious pass rush skills. A perfect Patriot.

Patriots Fourth-Round Pick: Rhamondre Stevenson, RB Oklahoma

Stevenson is a huge body and proved at Oklahoma that he could be an every-down back. His breakaway speed in the open field is also a plus. What does this mean for Sony Michel?

Patriots Fifth-Round Pick: Cameron McGrone, LB, Michigan

Another Michigan front-seven guy for Bill Belichick. McGrone will join former Wolverine Chase Winovich on the Pats defense.

Patriots Sixth-Round Pick: Joshuah Bledsoe, S, Missouri

Bledsoe led the Tigers in passes defended in 2019 and 2020 in a very tough SEC. We’ll take that value this late.

Patriots 2nd Sixth-Round Pick: William Sherman, OT, Colorado

Sherman is a versatile offensive lineman, having play both tackle positions for the Buffaloes (in the Pac-12) in addition to practicing at center.

Patriots Seventh-Round Pick: