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New England Patriots full 2020 mock draft

By Kelly Thompson

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 29: Defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos of Penn State runs a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 29, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 29: Defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos of Penn State runs a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 29, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Patriots NFL Draft
COLLEGE PARK, MD – SEPTEMBER 27: Yetur Gross-Matos #99 of the Penn State Nittany Lions looks on during a college football game against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium on September 27, 2019 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

For the first time in two decades, someone other than Tom Brady will line up under center for Bill Belichick and the Patriots. This and other questions must be answered in the draft.

Tom Brady took over the starting job as the quarterback of the New England Patriots during the 2000 season. Since 2001, the Patriots have entered every season knowing who would be taking the snaps under center when the year kicked off. This year, that is not true. The team can say what they want about Jarrett Stidham, but the chances of the team entering the season with a quarterback who has thrown four career passes are approaching zero. Expect them to find a veteran on the free-agent market before the season starts (think Cam Newton or Andy Dalton here).

The team has also been more active in free agency already than most would have guessed. The team has brought in defensive back Adrian Phillips, defensive lineman Beau Allen, wide receiver Damiere Byrd; and is returning offensive lineman Joe Thuney, defensive back Devin McCourty, wide receiver Matthew Slater, and defensive back Nate Ebner.

The team has also lost a number of key players including defensive back Nate Ebner, defensive tackle Danny Shelton, linebackers Jamie Collins and Kyle Van Noy, and tight end Ben Watson. This in addition to multiple other role players.

Bottom line, the Patriots have a slew of needs as they start a functional rebuild on the offensive side of the football. Fortunately, they also have a slew of draft picks (12) to make that happen.

It would be highly unusual for Belichick and the Patriots to make all 12 of these picks, let alone at the positions they currently occupy, but for this mock, we’re going to pick where they lie. Don’t be surprised on draft day to see the Patriots package picks to acquire some second-round selections.

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