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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CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – NOVEMBER 29: Divine Deablo #17 of the Virginia Tech Hokies warms up before the start of a game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium on November 29, 2019 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

Virginia Tech. 47. Pick Analysis. 111. player. Scouting Report. Safety. Divine Deablo

Getting more athletic and dynamic on defense will be a big theme of the Patriots’ offseason. Adding Deablo to the mix at safety will give New England a much more physical presence who can help in coverage and closer to the line of scrimmage.

Deablo’s lack of explosive speed will keep him off some team’s boards, but Belichick is smart enough to overlook the testing numbers in comparison to what he sees on film. The safety’s tape at Virginia Tech shows him to be a playmaker who causes problems for opposing offenses time and time again.

There’s also a chance that Deablo adds additional value in the NFL by sliding down to play linebacker on obvious passing downs. He may be a step slow for a top-tier safety, but he’s more than quick enough to hold up as a coverage linebacker. His ability to blitz would also give the Patriots’ defense an added degree of flexibility on third down.

The bottom line is that the Patriots need more playmakers on defense and that’s what Deablo is. This represents a perfect marriage between a prospect and the team that can get the most out of his unique set of skills.

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