NFL mock draft 2021: Four quarterbacks in the top five, Watson stays put

Things have gone downhill fast for the New England Patriots. Once staples in the Super Bowl, it appears that Tom Brady got out of town right on time. I think that is more the case than Tom Brady’s departure causing the downfall, but that’s a conversation for another day. Nonetheless, the Pats have a long way to go if they want to be contenders again any time soon.

It was hard to pinpoint a target for the Patriots in this 2021 NFL mock draft, but the defensive line stood out as a big need. Lawrence Guy, Deatrich Wise Jr. and Adam Butler are all set to be free agents this offseason, leaving multiple spots on that front to be filled by some dynamic playmakers.

Christian Barmore showed this season, particularly in the National Championship Game, that he can be that impactful, disruptive force at the next level. He is a very versatile defender that can beat blockers in a variety of ways.

At 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds, Barmore has an NFL-ready body and possesses the desired power and strength to dominate blocks. But what stands out is his athleticism. He can immediately shoot a gap and be by a blocker in a flash and is also very good at executing stunts and finding a path into the backfield.

While an interior defensive lineman may not be the sexiest pick for a team like the Patriots, having that impactful interior presence can go a long way to rebuilding that defense that has always been so dominant. The Patriots would still have quite a few other needs to address, but bringing in a guy like Barmore is never a bad thing.