NFL Mock Draft 2021: Patriots, Washington trade up in 3-round mock

2021 NFL Mock Draft: 4th pick

TRADE: Falcons trade 4th pick to Patriots for 15th pick, 46th pick, 96th pick, future 1st

The New England Patriots are a fascinating team to watch right now.

The Patriots signed Cam Newton to another one-year contract after what many thought was not an overly successful first year in New England.

The Patriots also spent a boatload of cash on the 2021 free agency crop, solidifying the fact that Bill Belichick hates finishing in third place.

This team is going to be aggressive about getting back into contention, but how aggressive will he be about getting a QB of the future? It’s possible that Cam Newton will be much better in a second year in this offense, but the Patriots could grab an ideal heir apparent in either Justin Fields or Trey Lance.

Both of those players, like Newton, are obviously threats with their ability to both run and throw. Fields’ journey is somewhat similar to that of Newton after starting off buried on a depth chart at one school (for Fields, it was Georgia) before transferring to another and becoming a Heisman contender.

Fields is a playmaker and while he could certainly benefit from some time behind a player like Cam Newton, he could also play right away.

Sitting behind Newton and absorbing what the Patriots are trying to install offensively would be beneficial for him. It does seem like the Patriots are moving towards a possible move like this. Why else sign Newton back for another year?

New England could fully commit to a run-oriented offense with players like Newton and Fields running it, stark stylistic contrasts to Tom Brady.