At this point, New England Patriots fans can’t complain about any of the team’s draft picks.
In the first round, they may have gotten their quarterback of the future in Mac Jones.
In the second round, they traded up eight spots to land Alabama defensive tackle Christian Barmore, who was regarded as a first-round talent before some character concerns forced him to slip.
Then, in the third round, Bill Belichick got himself another defensive lineman in Ronnie Perkins, who is a versatile option given his size and speed. He can play in the three-technique in a 4-3 defense or serve as a standing outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.
But before that selection, the Pats may have been eyeing another prospect before the Buffalo Bills swooped in.
Three picks before New England was set to submit their card at No. 96, the division-rival Bills got their hands on offensive lineman Spencer Brown.
The three most interesting players available with the Patriots up in 35 picks are UNC WR Dyami Brown, Ohio State LB Baron Browning and Northern Iowa OT Spencer Brown. The Patriots would probably have to move up for any of them.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) May 1, 2021
The man is massive. He’s 6-foot-9 and 321 pounds. And he ran a 4.88 40-yard dash! That kind of size goes beyond that of your average NFL offensive tackle. Since he’s still somewhat of a raw talent (Northern Iowa recruited him to be a tight end) and he opted out of the 2020 season, it could have been a perfect situation for the Patriots.
Why? Because it’s unclear if Trent Brown will be in New England beyond 2021 or if Isaiah Wynn will be with the team after 2022. Brown could’ve learned under those two and/or filled in if injuries were to occur to help slowly acclimate him to professional action.
Doesn’t that just scream “Bill Belichick project”?
Northern Iowa RT Spencer Brown is 6-8, 311 with an elite athletic profile (6.96s 3-cone). Hardly ever see anyone turn the corner on Brown. Uses his long arm/strides and quick feet to get to set points. First clip is a nice job of chopping down on an inside long arm. #Patriots pic.twitter.com/7uiHnqsI2P
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) April 14, 2021
What’s even worse? Brown is already fitting right in with the Bills. He’s loving his new home and he’s yet to even put on the uniform.
Looks like Northern Iowa OT Spencer Brown will fit in just fine in Buffalo 🤣 @theMMQB #NFLDraft
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) May 1, 2021
(via @CHogansTheName) pic.twitter.com/4T90mbqsN8
The silver lining here? The Patriots went defense heavy and got their hands on a number of guys who were projected to land in the earlier rounds but slid for various reasons. Perhaps down the road we’re seeing Christian Barmore and Ronnie Perkins make quick work of Brown.
That’d be a nice full circle moment to get payback on the Bills.
New England Patriots: Grading Day 2 NFL Draft Selections
The New England Patriots were active on Day 2, and it helped net them a potential starter on the defensive line as well as an intriguing pass rusher.