Patriots clinch 15th overall pick in 2021 NFL Draft

Finally, the silver lining.

After a disappointing 7-9 season, the Patriots were awarded the 15th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft on Sunday.

Pending other results around the league, the Pats could have been slotted as high as 10th. But once they defeated the Jets in their season finale Sunday, their possible selections were narrowed to picks No. 14 and No. 15. Once the Seahawks defeated the 49ers, who finished 6-9-1, San Francisco clinched the 14th pick.

The Patriots haven’t drafted this high since 2008, when they used an acquired pick to select linebacker Jerod Mayo. This is just the second time in franchise history the Pats have picked 15th overall, after picking quarterback Tony Eason in 1983.

While they’re unlikely to have their pick of top quarterbacks, barring a trade, the Patriots could land an elite wide receiver, tight end or defensive line prospect.

Over the past 10 drafts, the 15th pick has produced wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, quarterback Dwayne Haskins, offensive tackle Kolton Miller, safety Malik Hooker, wide receiver Corey Coleman, running back Melvin Gordon, linebacker Ryan Shazier, safety Kenny Vaccaro, defensive end Bruce Irvin, center Mike Pouncey and defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/2X6VAeK