Patriots: 1st-round 2021 NFL Draft targets after FA spending spree

The New England Patriots are going on a free agent spending spree early on in the 2021 NFL Free Agency and offseason festivities.

Before they did anything else big, the Patriots secured their quarterback for the 2021 season, bringing back veteran and former NFL MVP Cam Newton on a one-year deal that could be worth up to $14 million.

The Patriots are banking on Newton being better with a second season and some continuity in their offense, but they aren’t banking on it without bringing him in some help.

New England struck a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders for offensive tackle Trent Brown, who will be on his second stint in New England now. They also have made one of the biggest splashes on the unrestricted free agency scene by agreeing to a deal with tight end Jonnu Smith of the Titans for four years.

Where have we seen Jonnu Smith and the Patriots connected before?

The Patriots aren’t done, either. They are working on potentially bringing in pass rusher Matt Judon from the Baltimore Ravens as well, per multiple reports.

In addition to these massive moves, the Patriots brought in nose tackle Davon Godchaux from the Miami Dolphins to add to their defensive front.

It’s clear that New England is not going to be sitting idly by this offseason with their big cap space and available cash to spend. They are being aggressive and are not going to let the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins sleep well at night thinking that the absence of Tom Brady means the absence of relevance from New England.

Given their aggressiveness in free agency so far, how might the Patriots attack the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft?

They’ve got to make certain they have the best possible crew around Cam Newton to compete for the AFC East in 2021. Here are three guys they could target with that 15th overall pick.