Very few NFL Draft classes actually manage to improve after selecting a future franchise quarterback at No. 15 overall, but that’s exactly what Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots have managed to pull off following the slide of Alabama quarterback Mac Jones.
Jones ending up right there potentially gave the Patriots an alternative to Cam Newton should the veteran start to falter. After starting off on such a high note, the Patriots only got better choosing to add some of the best defensive players in this draft on Day 2 while looking for value on Day 3.
While the Patriots made some of the best picks on Saturday in Oklahoma running back Rhamondre Stevenson in the fourth round and Michigan linebacker Cameron McGrone in the fifth round, Belichick has somehow managed to top himself, making up for a 2020 draft that earned mixed reviews.
Belichick remains the king until someone takes his crown away, and three of his best selections over the last few days prove that no one is close to hitting on value in the draft.
These 3 Patriots draft picks showed Bill Belichick killed it.
3. Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama
While the interior defensive line class was weak this year, Barmore was clearly the best player at the position, and it was a crime that he ended up slipping out of the first round. Thanks to the Cincinnati Bengals, New England ended up in a perfect position to add Jones’ college teammate in the powerful Barmore.
The Bengals moved down in the draft to take Clemson lineman Jackson Carman, while the Patriots put an end to Barmore’s slide by picking the best 3-technique tackle in this class. He slid for a reason, but there’s a ton of potential housed in his gigantic frame as a run-stuffer and pass rusher.
Patriots DT Christian Barmore could challenge for a starting spot right away.
Barmore might not be handed a starting role right away, as Lawrence Guy and Davon Godchaux will likely get most of the snaps. However, if one of them slips up for even a second (or suffer an injury), Barmore should step right in and be an instant x-factor on a deep defense.
Eight sacks for a player that supposedly doesn’t have a high pass-rush ceiling in the NFL is a very impressive tally, and his ability to slip past linemen and grind them into the dirt with equal amounts of skill is a very welcome trait to have. If anyone knows how to get the most out of him, it’s Belichick.
2. Ronnie Perkins, EDGE, Oklahoma
Perkins had some off-field issues due to his suspension at Oklahoma, but when he’s locked in, there are few edge rushers that can compete with his athletic ability. Belichick made a tremendous value pick, adding a player that has second-round, potentially even borderline first-round, talent near the end of the third.
Perkins attacks the quarterback like he was launched out of a trebuchet, and his ability to convert speed into power is exemplary. Former Oklahoma State tackle Teven Jenkins is an excellent player, but he wanted no part of Perkins near the end of the Bedlam game, which was his finest this season.
Ronnie Perkins has tons of potential for the Patriots.
Perkins is not the best run defender at this stage, but Belichick has a way of turning players like him into awesome 4-3 defensive ends. Perkins, should he thrive in the structure Belichick and New England will provide for him, might be one of the biggest Day 2 steals in this entire draft class.
Perkins might have to lose snaps to Chase Winovich and new arrival Matt Judon in his first season in the league, but someone with this kind of speed from the defensive end position doesn’t normally last this late. Perkins should contribute as a rookie and help this defense rack up the sacks.
1. Joshuah Bledsoe, S, Missouri
The first Missouri defensive back off of the board was Tyree Gillespie, who went to the defense-needy Las Vegas Raiders. Somehow, the Patriots ended up with the better Tigers defensive back dozens of picks later, as they eyed Bledsoe as an ideal backup safety and special teams contributor.
While Colorado’s William Sherman was also picked around this range, Bledsoe might be the better of the two late picks, as he was the leader in passes deflected for a Tigers defense that remained competitive. His athletic testing numbers only confirmed that he shouldn’t have lasted until this point.
The Patriots stole Joshuah Bledsoe late in the NFL Draft.
The Patriots have more defensive backs than they know what to do with, but in a league that features as many talented quarterbacks as there are right now, you can never have enough depth at this position. Bledsoe can line up in the box if needed, which will only help him get on the field faster.
Bledsoe is not going to steal a ton of headlines, but Belichick has a knack for finding talented defensive back play at this stage in the draft. If Bledsoe became a starter, which should surprise few given his skills as a pass defender, Belichick can add another notch in his belt after unearthing a quality DB.
Patriots: Bill Belichick’s comments on Mac Jones-Cam Newton situation are classic
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick's comments on the Mac Jones-Cam Newton situation after the first-round of the draft are classic.