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Patriots roster overhaul complete with impactful draft
New England addressed needs, specifically at quarterback and on the defensive front, after a spending spree in free agency.
By Chris Masonmasslive.com
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New England Patriots 2021 first-round draft pick Mac Jones, center, poses with team owner Robert Kraft, left, and team president Jonathan Kraft on Friday in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Charles Krupa/Associated Press
When free agency opened in March, Bill Belichick gave his roster a gut renovation. After this weekend in Cleveland, it’ll have plenty of curb appeal, too.
The Patriots coach broke character to guarantee free agents $159.6 million an NFL record but there was still a glaring hole on his roster and a couple of patches that needed reinforcement.
The 2021 NFL draft was held April 29 through May 1 and every New England Patriots draft pick has been analyzed here.
After last season s virtual draft, Cleveland played host to festivities this year with a handful of potential draft picks present and socially distanced because of COVID-19.
Here s a pick-by-pick look at how each player New England has selected will fit.
Round 1, No. 15 overall: Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
My take: For 21 years, coach Bill Belichick has stressed that two of the most important characteristics he looks for in quarterbacks are accuracy and decision-making. Those are Jones strengths, which is why those who have a background in the team s system such as former offensive coordinator Charlie Weis believed he was the perfect fit among this year s QB prospects.
A year after losing Tom Brady, the Patriots finally have a long-term plan at quarterback: Mac Jones
By Ben Volin Globe Staff,Updated April 29, 2021, 11:23 p.m.
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Alabama quarterback Mac Jones won a national championship in January, and he was coached by Nick Saban, one of Bill Belichickâs most trusted friends.Tony Dejak/Associated Press
CLEVELAND â Mac Jones isnât much of a runner, but he clocked the fastest time of the draft on Thursday night.
When Roger Goodell called Jonesâs name as the Patriotsâ selection with the 15th pick, Jones practically sprinted from his green room to the stage to get his new jersey and chat with Goodell about his new team.