New England Patriots stock up with talent in 7-round 2021 NFL mock draft
Round 4, 116th Overall
Pick Analysis. LSU. Ali Gaye. 4. player. 817. Scouting Report. EDGE
Ali Gaye is a big and strong edge defender who shines as a run defender up front. He consistently sets a strong edge, shows great natural block-shed ability and has a nose for the football. Gaye is never going to be the most explosive player as a rusher around the edge, but he is a tough and smart football player who will consistently do his job. Sure sound like a future Patriot to me.
Round 4, 134th Overall
TCU. 4. 872. Scouting Report. S. Ar'Darius Washington. player. Pick Analysis
Like the rest of the NFL, the Patriots have been trying to get more and more defensive backs on the field in recent years. In order to win this way, you must find versatile defensive backs who can make an impact against the run and the pass, particularly at the safety position.
Kyle Dugger is showing a ton of upside in this role as a rookie, but it would not hurt to have another versatile playmaking safety on the roster. With this in mind, Ar’Darius Washington stands out as a strong pick for the Patriots in this range.
Washington is a smaller safety prospect, but whatever he lacks in size, he makes up for with toughness. He is a physical and aggressive player who comes up and offers strong support against the run. Washington also shows plenty of upside in coverage, showing solid instincts and range in both man and zone coverage.
Round 4, 140th Overall
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Alabama. player. DL. LaBryan Ray. 4. 829
The defensive line will likely stand out as a major position of need for this team in the 2021 NFL Draft and LaBryan Ray stands out as a rock-solid player who would fit this team well. Ray is not the flashiest or exciting player up front, but he is a strong run defender who plugs up holes well and takes care of two-gap responsibility at an extremely high level.
He has the versatility to make an impact at multiple spots across many defensive fronts and would provide solid depth for this team at an important position of need. Nobody would be overly excited about this selection, but Ray would be a valuable addition to the New England Patriots’ defensive line.