NFL mock draft 2021: Justin Fields, Trey Lance land in perfect situations

The New England Patriots aggressively attacked some of their largest positions of need in free agency this offseason, using their ample cap space to bring in impact players on both sides of the ball. After their aggressive moves in free agency, the Patriots have given themselves an opportunity to make a major move up the board for their franchise quarterback in the 2021 NFL Draft if they find the right opportunity.

In this NFL mock draft, the Patriots trade up to No. 4 overall, swapping first-round picks with the Atlanta Falcons while also sending them their second-round selection this year, their first and third-round picks in 2022 and star cornerback Stephon Gilmore.

Losing Gilmore would undoubtedly hurt the 2021 Patriots but he is on the wrong side of 30 and will become a free agent after this coming season. This team should be building for the future and using Gilmore as a piece to snag their new franchise quarterback would make sense.

The Falcons could certainly consider taking a quarterback of their own here but the restructure of Matt Ryan’s contract suggests that they are likely committed to him for the next few years. Using this pick to trade down and pick up a major piece for both the short and long-term would likely appeal to the Falcons.

2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 4th overall

Justin Fields is the prize for the Patriots after their aggressive trade up the board. Fields is an incredibly talented quarterback prospect whose combination of impressive natural arm talent and rushing ability gives him exciting upside at the next level.

Fields has the arm to hit any throw on the field and does so with pinpoint accuracy a majority of the time. He places the ball extremely well, consistently hitting his receivers in stride and putting the ball where only his guy can get it. Fields is also a smart quarterback who reads the field well and shows great patience in the pocket. He can escape and create with his legs when needed but does a nice job of working through his progressions and finding the big play down the field when it is available.

Making the big move up the board for Fields would give the Patriots an exciting young quarterback to build their offensive attack around. It would also present an interesting scenario for the 2021 season. Would Bill Belichick and company begin the season with Cam Newton as their starter while Fields learns from the sideline or would they let the rookie loose right away? Either way, it would be an interesting situation to see unfold.