New England Patriots: 2021 NFL Draft late-round sleepers to target
By Ian Higgins
8
Trevon Grimes WR
Fitting the conventional mold of the number one option at wideout within NFL passing attacks, Trevon Grimes is a 6-foot-4 boundary receiver who understands the value of his frame. With a clear understanding of how to position himself relative to the corner, Grimes is one of the best jump-ball receivers of the 2021 NFL Draft despite his projected draft range.
Not a well-polished route runner, Grimes is physical through the route and uses his long strides to create separation on crossing routes. Despite this and a lack of short-area explosiveness, Grimes excels in short-yardage situations on short crossing routes capitalizing on his ability to box-out the defender.
With the future of N’Keal Harry uncertain within the New England Patriots organization, the tallest of the top-five remaining receiver would be free-agent addition Kendrick Bourne at six-foot-one. In an offensive system built around creating mismatches, a wideout with overbearing size and red-zone potential is an invaluable asset
Potential Draft Position, Round 6, Pick 189
12
Jamie Newman QB
Having resigned Cam Newton for the 2021 campaign as the projected starting quarterback, Jarrett Stidham will almost certainly see competition for the second slot of the depth chart. Having developed a modified version of their power offense to incorporate Newton’s physicality, Belichick & McDaniels would certainly be open to bringing in a prospect with a similar profile.
Having opted out of the 2020 college football season, Wake Forest quarterback Jamie Newman is a relative unknown in a top-heavy quarterback class. Only sixteen pounds short of Newton, Newman possesses eerily similar throwing mechanics and running style between the tackles.
The similarities between the two stretch beyond strengths, as Newman insists on throwing hardballs short of the markers regardless of coverage. This has produced some impressive needle-threading completions but has also overwhelmed open receivers expecting a routine pitch & catch.