2021 NFL Draft: New England Patriots team needs
By Ian Higgins
Quarterback
2020 Starter: Cam Newton (FA)
The most apparent need of all for the New England Patriots in the 2021 NFL Draft, the question mark hanging over the quarterback position on the depth chart has remained bolded since the loss of Tom Brady.
Former draft selection and potential quarterback of the future Jarrett Stidham has been unable to convince his coaching staff of his ability to start in the NFL after unimpressive showcases in relief, meaning the franchise will likely be searching for a plug-and-play starter either via free agency or with a first-round selection in the 2021 NFL draft.
The outstanding problem for New England in drafting a quarterback in the 2021 NFL Draft will be competing in a needy-quarterback market with only the fifteenth overall selection. To find themselves in position for one of these top-five quarterbacks, New England will have to pay a heavy toll to move up and get their guy.
The only prospects with the potential to drop down to the fifteenth slot will be Alabama’s Mac Jones and North Dakota’s Trey Lance, both of whom have been rumored to go within the top 10.
Days two and three of the 2021 NFL Draft though possess some unique talents who showed their capabilities in the senior bowl, including the relatively unproven and athletically dominant Jamie Newman, who was unable to raise his draft stock with the Georgia Bulldogs this past season.