You know the last NFL season was different when you see the Patriots picking this high. The post-Tom Brady Patriots finished 7-9 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008. This is probably what led the front office to go on a shopping spree in free agency.
Below are three options for New England with their first-round pick.
3. Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
New England acquired wideouts Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne during the offseason, but both of them have question marks. Hopefully, Agholor performs like his Las Vegas Raiders self, while Bourne is a complementary receiver.
This draft is loaded at the wide receiver position and New England can even address this position in the second round. If Waddle drops this far, the Patriots should seriously consider making the pick.
He has ridiculous speed, which would be a huge help for the whole offense. The pressure Waddle applies on the defense will open up things for his fellow receivers and the tight end duo of Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith.
2. Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
A pairing of Parsons and Dont'a Hightower would be a boon for the defense. Parsons has ideal size for the position at 6'3, 245 pounds and carries all that weight well. He is very athletic and is a force in the run game. Parsons effortlessly sheds blocks and makes a play.
He displays good mobility and projects to be a plus in coverage, which is becoming a more essential skill now that tight ends are getting more involved in the passing game. Parsons can be deployed in blitzing situations and get straight to the quarterback. He will give the defense a new dimension and a versatile chess piece.
Parsons at number 15 is a great value selection. If he does fall to the Patriots' laps at this spot it would be because of his off-field issues, which reportedly date back to when he was in high school.
1. Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
Although Cam Newton was signed this offseason, his future in Foxborough beyond next season is uncertain. This is the perfect opportunity to select a field general for the future, who can spend a year playing behind Newton and learning the offense.
The chance of getting their franchise quarterback with a sixth-round pick again is slim to none, so it would make sense to use their “high” first-round pick on the position. Depending on how the draft shapes up, the front office may need to trade up for this pick.
Jones is a tier lower than the likes of Ohio State's Justin Fields and Trey Lance of North Dakota State, but he is more pro-ready than expected. He is an intelligent player, goes through his progressions well, and has a great understanding of the game. Jones is an accurate passer and is mobile enough inside the pocket.
He does not have the physical tools of the other prospects and his numbers will be scrutinized because of all the talent around him, especially his receiving corps. Jones' weapons at New England will not have the same talent gap as he did in college, but he can rest easy knowing that he will be behind one of the league's best offensive lines.
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