2021 NFL mock draft: 49ers and Patriots trade up for quarterbacks
By John Blair
2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 7th overall
Pick Analysis. 47. Scouting Report. QB. Alabama. Mac Jones. 7. player
New England makes a big move up the draft board to get their quarterback of the future in Mac Jones. The team will likely consider a move like this as Jones is the only quarterback left on the board who is widely regarded as a first-round pick. The team also desperately needs a quarterback to develop around since it is doubtful Cam Newton will return and the team doesn’t seem to have much faith in Jarrett Stidham.
While Mac Jones may not be the most athletic quarterback in the draft, the Patriots have had great success building around quarterbacks who aren’t overly mobile including Tom Brady and Drew Bledsoe. Also, like these two quarterbacks, Jones has outstanding accuracy and is clutch in critical games. While it would be ridiculous to ask Jones to play at either Brady or Bledsoe’s level he is someone who can start early in his career and be a solid NFL starting quarterback.
2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 8th overall
Pick Analysis. TE. Florida. 8. Scouting Report. Kyle Pitts. player. 87
If the top five quarterbacks are off the board by the time the Carolina Panthers pick, they will likely look to address one of their other needs in the 2021 NFL Draft. While left tackle may be a more pressing need, tight end is also a position the team will look to fill. After the team moved on from Greg Olsen the position only accounted for 27 receptions for 204 yards and three touchdowns.
Florida’s Kyle Pitts is one of the most dynamic playmakers in this year’s draft class. Last season he accounted for 43 receptions and 12 touchdowns. He could be a key cog in the Panther’s passing game and be a nice security blanket for whoever is the team’s starting quarterback next year.