The Patriots are sitting on 10 picks for the 2021 NFL Draft. The big question for them on April 29 is whether they will trade up to get a quarterback in the first round.
For now, New England selects first at No. 15 overall with seven picks through the seventh round on Day 3. The team went defense-heavy in 2020 and will have more considerations there this year, but it also should be looking out for more offensive impact after a busy free agency.
With all that in mind, here are Sporting News’ projections for the Patriots’ draft haul:
MORE NFL DRAFT: Complete 7-round mock | Top 100 big board
Patriots mock draft 2021
Round 1, No. 15 overall
- Micah Parsons, ILB, Penn State (6-3, 245 pounds)
The Patriots, if they stay put, should be happy about this rangy, versatile playmaker. Dont’a Hightower is 32 and has one year left on his deal. Ja’Whaun Bentley also becomes a free agent in 2022, too. Parsons would be plugged in as a near future and long-term starter.
Round 2, No. 46 overall
- Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss (5-9, 184 pounds)
The retirement of Julian Edelman calls for a more immediate replacement. Moore can dominate the slot in the same way with some outside capacity for big plays.
Round 3, No. 96 overall (compensatory)
- Aaron Robinson, CB, UCF (6-0, 186 pounds)
Robinson has the frame and coverage skill set to do multiple things well in Bill Belichick’s defense. The Patriots are on the verge of doing an age-based secondary rebuild.
Round 4, No. 120 overall
- Ambry Thomas, CB, Michigan (6-0, 191 pounds)
The Patriots can go back-to-cornerback with good success in this class.. Thomas can do the job to help the depth in outside coverage at first and also be a big contributor on special teams.
Round 4, No. 122 overall (from Cardinals through Texans)
- Kylin Hill, RB, Mississippi State (5-10, 214 pounds)
Hill is a grinding no-nonsense back ho can boost the Patriots’ power running game as a swing replacement for Rex Burkhead with his ability to also play on third down.
Round 4, No. 139 overall (compensatory)
- Jaelon Darden, WR, North Texas (5-8, 174 pounds)
The Patriots can finish an overhaul of their recieving corps after drafting Moore here and signing Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Agholor after getting limited returns from N’Keal Harry, Damiere Byrd and Jakobi Meyers. While Moore can start in the slot with his size, Darden has intrigue as a diminutive dasher who can raise their big-play potential whenever he gets the ball in his hands.
Round 5, No. 177 overall (compensatory)
- Kellen Mond, QB, Texas A&M (6-3, 211 pounds)
Mond is an experienced college starter with enough athleticism to be a promising quick-developing dual threat behind Cam Newton. He’s confident and efficient playing off a good supporting cast. Should the Patriots not get a QB early, targeting him as a sleeper at some point makes a ton of sense.
Round 6, No. 188 overall (from Texans)
- Malik Herring, EDGE, Georgia (6-3, 275 pounds)
Herring is made to help the Patriots as a 3-4 end with his strong build and great hands for additional support against the run with a dash of pass-rush skills.
Round 6, No. 197 overall
- Khyiris Tonga, DT, BYU (6-2, 325 pounds)
The Patriots can double up some on solid depth for their line rotation as Tonga would be the ideal needed backup to new nose tackle Davon Godchaux.
Round 7, No. 242 overall
- Josh Palmer, WR, Tennessee (6-1, 210 pounds)
One more receiver? After two small targets early, the Patriots should like like Palmer’s size and hands as a technical route-runner. He would be more of development backup for the outside.