Patriots land pair of Hurricanes in 7-Round Mock 2021 NFL Draft

Round 4, Pick 119 – Baron Browning, LB Ohio State

The Buckeyes have been producing top-of-the-line front seven players at an impressive clip for the past few seasons. Players like Nick Bosa, Chase Young, Jerome Baker, Raekwon McMillan, and Malik Harrison are prominent former Buckeyes. These are also players that have gone early and experienced success at the NFL level. Browning is the next man up and figures to go anywhere from the second to the fourth round next April.

Browning proved his all-around ability in coverage as well as a pass rusher in 2020. His sack-fumble against Alabama was one of the few significant plays early on in the National Championship. At 6-foot-3, 248 pounds, Browning is scheme-diverse and could play inside or out on this New England defense. That versatility could intrigue Belichick to pull the trigger on Browning here in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Round 5, Pick 137 – K.J. Costello, QB Mississippi State

As a former transfer from Stanford, expectations were high for 2020 Bulldogs’ starter K.J. Costello at Mississippi. Combine Costello’s size and tremendous arm strength with new head coach Mike Leach and the possibilities were extremely exciting. Unfortunately, the 2020 season was a major disappointment for both Leach and his new quarterback.

Costello ended up playing in only six games this past season due to injury and passing for only 1,283 yards, six touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Despite the disappointing senior campaign, Costello’s upside remains high as a mid-round 2021 NFL Draft prospect. Belichick will have plenty of tools to work with as he develops Costello into a potential long-term starter behind Stidham.

In a previous piece, I discussed the different alternatives for the Patriots and their QB room in 2021. If the Patriots decide to go the developmental route in 20201, one of those options could very well be Costello. The short-term prospects of this New England offense could be bleak, but the Patriots could certainly rise to power again with the proper coaching of these young, talented signal-callers.

Round 5, Pick 143 – Ifeatu Melifonwu, DB Syracuse

If at first, you don’t succeed, try try again, New England. This is the stance the Patriots take here with the selection of another in Syracuse’s Ifeatu Melifonwu in the NFL Draft. Back in 2017, Melifonwu’s brother Obi was a second-round selection of the Patriots. He was a versatile safety with the capability of playing both the safety and outside corner spots.

Ifeatu profiles as the same type of versatile chess piece as his brother, and could be a redemption story for New England in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. The Patriots struggled on both offense and defense but were hit hardest with the losses of both CB Stephon Gilmore (injury) and S Patrick Chung (opt-out). Melifonwu will provide depth at both spots and eventual starter for Bill Belichick and company.