The New England Patriots, after finishing 7-9, could go in just about any direction with their first-round pick in 2021. The team had no shortage of weaknesses on both offense and defense, which will need to be addressed this offseason.
And while many pointed to the Patriots’ eight opt-outs due to COVID-19, New England will only see three of those eight players return to starting positions — that is, if they don’t retire. So the Patriots need reinforcements in the draft and free agency. It’s likely these additions will immediately step into starting roles.
Fans want a quarterback, receiver and tight end. Bill Belichick, meanwhile, is probably thinking about his shoddy run defense, which looked susceptible for all of 2020. But if an elite playmaker falls to 15th overall, Belichick might not be able to help himself.
Here’s why The Athletic’s Dane Brugler likes the Patriots drafting Alabama receiver Jaylen Waddle at 15th, slotting him to New England in his latest mock draft:
The Patriots will examine several quarterback options this offseason, but it might not matter much unless they add more playmakers. Waddle and his special athleticism would be an instant shot of adrenaline for the offense
Though we didn’t see much of Waddle in 2020 (due to an ankle injury), he made an appearance in the national championship game when he was clearly playing through pain. In his other four appearances, he averaged 6.25 receptions, 139 receiving yards and one touchdown per game. That’s, in part, because of his blazing speed. (He ran a sub-4.4-second 40-yard dash in high school.)
He’s just the type of special receiver for the Patriots. The question is whether they might prioritize the position in free agency — and whether Waddle will slip this far down the board.
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