New England Patriots: Ideal 2021 NFL Draft target in each round
New England Patriots 2021 NFL Draft: Top Second-Round Target
Current second-round selection: 46th overall
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Elijah Moore WR
The New England Patriots have aggressively added to their passing game weapons in free agency this offseason, signing tight ends Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry as well as wide receivers Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne. While this group is certainly much better than it was at the beginning of the offseason, there is still some work to do.
Ideally, the Patriots would be able to find a long-term offensive playmaker in the 2021 NFL Draft and Elijah Moore stands out as a fantastic fit. Moore is a quick and explosive receiver who easily separates from man coverage, wins as a deep receiver and does a tremendous job of making plays after the catch. Moore shows the ability to make plays as an outside receiver and also as a weapon out of the slot.
If Elijah Moore is available when the New England Patriots go on the clock at No. 46 in the 2021 NFL Draft, he should be the pick.
New England Patriots 2021 NFL Draft: Top Third-Round Target
Current third-round selection: 96th overall
3
D'Ante Smith OT
The Patriots trading for Trent Brown undoubtedly helps their short-term offensive tackle situation but Brown is only under contract through the 2021 season. On top of that, starting left tackle Isaiah Wynn has consistently struggled with injuries throughout his NFL career and the team will have a tough fifth-year option decision to make with him soon.
Offensive tackle is unlikely to be their top priority in the 2021 NFL Draft but it is a position that they should target at some point. The 2021 NFL Draft class is loaded with exciting high-end offensive tackle talent and impressive depth at the position. The Patriots should be able to wait to address this position and their late third-round pick feels the sweet spot. In particular, East Carolina offensive tackle D’Ante Smith feels like a strong potential target.
Smith has extremely long arms and moves well in pass protection. He is a strong athlete at the offensive tackle position who also shows powerful hands and does a nice job of attacking the second level as a run blocker. Smith is a bit of a raw talent up front but he undoubtedly has high-level upside as a left tackle prospect. Selecting him as a player who could grow into a starting option in his second season would undoubtedly make sense for New England.