2021 NFL Draft: New England Patriots 7-round mock

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 19: Kadarius Toney #1 of the Florida Gators reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half of the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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CHAPEL HILL, NC – OCTOBER 10: Chazz Surratt #21 of North Carolina during a game between Virginia Tech and North Carolina at Kenan Memorial Stadium on October 10, 2020 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Andy Mead/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /

Pick Analysis. North Carolina. 47. Scouting Report. Linebacker. Chazz Surratt. 46. player

The Patriots will be glad to get Dont’a Hightower back into the fold after his decision to opt-out of the 2020 campaign. His return won’t be enough to get the team’s linebacking corps back to what it needs to be to win another AFC East crown.

That’s why adding Surratt in Round 2 is the right move for New England. The former quarterback is still learning the intricacies of his position, but he proved to be a prolific playmaker last season for North Carolina. He’s got the right combination of size and athleticism to be an every-down linebacker at the next level.

He can step right into the mix for playing time as a rookie at either outside linebacker spot. Surratt’s versatility will make him an ideal fit for Belichick’s complicated defensive system. He may never become an All-Pro, but the chances of him being a productive starter are too high for New England to pass up at No. 46.

Patriots fans should keep a close eye on Belichick swinging for a new starting quarterback at this spot, but the value just doesn’t look to be there. Nabbing an instant impact linebacker would give New England’s defense a big jolt in 2021.

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