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

Round 5, Pick 158 – Tyler Vrabel, OT Boston College

This fit seems like an obvious one for Tyler Vrabel and the Patriots, as Tyler’s father Mike was a Super Bowl-winning LB for New England. Tyler continues the family business for the Patriots, and another Vrabel is selected here in the fifth round out of Boston College.

New England has a significant need for depth along the offensive line, and Vrabel provides great value here in the middle-to-later rounds. He was a two-year starter for the Eagles with the tremendous length for the position. Vrabel should step in and compete right away at both tackles spots, and even profiles as an exciting long-term potential starter in New England.

Round 6, Pick 183 – Marco Wilson, CB Florida

Since being picked up as an undrafted rookie free agent, J.C. Jackson has been a pleasant surprise for the Patriots since 2018. In 2020, Jackson experienced a significant breakout campaign and ranked second behind Dolphins’ CB Xavien Howard with nine interceptions. Combined with All-Pro running mate Stephon Gilmore, the Patriots have a formidable pair of starting outside cornerbacks.

Outside of those two standouts, no Patriots’ defensive back tallied more than two picks or six total passes defended. That lack of quality depth is a problem, considering Gilmore missed five games in 2020 due to injury. Wilson is another talented Florida cover man that could factor into New England’s defensive plans in 2021. With Marco’s size at 6-foot-1 and 191 pounds, he has a chance to push for playing time and a key special team role right away at the next level.