Pat Lane’s seven-round mock draft 2.0: Patriots trade up for a quarterback, just not the one you might think

It’s been quite a while since my first seven-round mock draft in February, so I decided it was high time to bring out an updated version.

Everyone is excited about the possibility of the New England Patriots trading up into the top-10 for a quarterback in this year’s draft, but that’s not the route I have them taking in this mock. I do, however, have them trading up for a QB.

Let’s get into it!

TRADE: Patriots trade 1-15 and 4-120 to Cleveland for 1-26, 2-59, and 2022 2nd-round pick

Before you ask, yes, Mac Jones was on the board. Trading back to fill the gap between the 46th and 96th selections, while also grabbing a second-rounder for next year was too good to pass up, though.

1st round, 26nd overall (via trade with CLE): CB Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech

A potential stud who missed his final college season due to injury and has back concerns? It seemed to work out pretty good with a certain tight end from Arizona, and the Patriots could take another chance here in the late first round.

Farley is one of the top cornerback prospects in the draft, but there are serious concerns about his health. With that being said, he is still in the conversation for CB1 because of his insane talent and skillset at the position. It’s a bit of a risk, but the Patriots know better than most how important a true lockdown corner is, and Farley has the potential to be just that. Given the long-term uncertainty surrounding Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson, this pick makes sense at No. 26.

2nd round, 46th overall: WR Elijah Moore, Ole Miss

The Patriots passed on two receivers from Ole Miss in 2019, and don’t make that mistake again. Moore is the best slot prospect in the draft, and has the physical makeup to play on the outside as well. New England has already rebuilt its passing game in free agency, and Moore will be another target to help them this year and beyond.

TRADE: Patriots trade 2-59 to Atlanta for 3-68 and a 2022 3rd-rounder

With a few players on the board that they like, the Patriots move back nine spots and pick up an extra third-round pick next year.

3rd round, 68th overall (via trade with ATL): LB Nick Bolton, Missouri

Bolton is a player who I love because he plays downhill and is physical at the line of scrimmage. He is a little limited in coverage, which could push him down the draft board, but is the perfect type of player that could come in and help the Patriots at a position that, even after multiple additions this offseason, can still use some work.

TRADE: Patriots trade 3-96, 6-197, and a 2022 3rd-rounder to Carolina for 3-73

I promised you a trade up for a quarterback, and here it is.

3rd round, 73rd overall (via trade with CAR): QB Kellen Mond, Texas A&M

The Patriots finally go after a QB, albeit a little later than most fans would probably prefer. Mond is a really interesting prospect, though, and could certainly become a starter in the league further down the line. Selecting him is definitely not a sure thing, but, for the price of a third-round selection (plus trade-up change), it’s a pretty reasonable shot for them to take.

4th round, 122nd overall: DT Tyler Shelvin, LSU

In a generally weak class of defensive tackles, it might be a bit of a surprise to see someone like Shelvin drop this far down the draft board. The thing to remember about him, however, is that he is limited in what he does. He is a true nose tackle, and not every team can use a player like that. The Patriots, however, are in need of a nose even after adding Davon Godchaux in free agency, and would probably love to pick up a player like Shelvin this late in the draft.

4th round, 139th overall: WR Josh Palmer, Tennessee

New England continues to add to its passing game by picking a receiver from Tennessee in Round 4. Palmer may not be the most explosive athlete in the draft, but he has shown that he knows how to play the position well, and the Patriots are in need of young players like that.

5th round, 177th overall: RB Elijah Mitchell, Louisiana

Mitchell is a guy who has flown under the radar until his Pro Day, when he ran a 4.32 40-yard dash. He also had elite numbers in the 3-cone drill (6.94) and broad jump (10’8”). Long story short, he is a fantastic athlete who could help out the Patriots in the running game and passing game.

He is a little bit better of a receiver than he is been given credit for, and, also a lot more than just a speed back, which becomes clear when you see how hard he runs on film. After a likely redshirt year (just like most New England’s backs), Mitchell could be a solid contributor in 2022 and beyond.

6th round, 188th overall: G Robert Hainsey, Notre Dame

Hainsey played tackle in college, but will almost certainly be moving inside at the next level. He is a large, powerful prospect, who could help the Patriots at a few different positions, though. He was one of only two players to not allow even a single pressure at the Senior Bowl, and showed that he can play all over the offensive line.

6th round, 197th overall: CB Tre Brown, Oklahoma

Brown may be small at 5-foot-9, 185 pounds, but he is physical cornerback. With the possible turnover at defensive back in the next year or two, the Patriots can use as much help as possible in the back end. The Oklahoma product gives them just that, even with Caleb Farley already brought aboard in Round 1.

7th round, 242nd overall: K Riley Patterson, Memphis

Yes, the Patriots are drafting another kicker. The last time New England took a kicker from Memphis, it seemed to work out pretty well. Patterson ended his career with the second most points in Tigers history, and with the second best field goal success rate — even better than Stephen Gostkowski’s. With Nick Folk playing on a one-year deal, and increased practice squad sizes, Patterson could come in to give Folk a push and possibly spend the year on the practice squad.

So, that does it. The Patriots make some moves, fill some areas of need, and draft some potential top-end talent. And even though they pass on a quarterback in the first round, they find a high-upside option to groom behind Cam Newton on Day 2.

Please let me know what you think down in the comments, and what you would change about this draft!

Pat is a host of The Patriot Nation Podcast. Interact with him on Twitter @plane_pats.