Odds For Patriots To Go Undefeated
One of the most intriguing drafts in the Bill Belichick era is around the corner for the New England Patriots.
The focus has been primarily on building for the future and keeping the offense decent enough for Tom Brady to work with. Last year’s draft was the first without Brady at the helm, but the Patriots went without a quarterback and drafted a DII safety (Kyle Dugger) with their first pick. The team’s trajectory was unclear and many believed Belichick could salvage the team without a top quarterback running the show — which was incorrect.
Moving forward to 2021, the Patriots will likely be without Cam Newton and drafting a quarterback at No. 15 is becoming more realistic. ESPN’s Todd McShay’s first mock draft put Ohio State’s Justin Fields in New England and Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest mock draft inserted Alabama’s Mac Jones at that place.
They don’t pick this high often. Why not go and get your guy and build around him? Now, that changes if Bill Belichick & Co. can make a deal to get a veteran quarterback on the trade market or if Jimmy Garoppolo gets cut by the 49ers. But with Cam Newton unlikely to return to New England, Jones could become a signal-caller to groom for offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. …
But worse teams than this one have entered Weeks 16 and 17 without a loss, so I wouldn't touch 1-50 odds with a 50-foot pole.Odds to go 0-16 TEAM YES NO Miami Dolphins (0-7) 6-1 1-9 Cincinnati. While the Patriots could look to target one of the 2021 NFL Draft class' top-five WRs with their first-round pick, they could also be aggressive in looking for veteran help to give the team a sure.
But with Cam Newton unlikely to return to New England, Jones could become a signal-caller to groom for offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Jones can make every throw at every level of the field, and he’s extremely accurate. Plus, we know that Belichick has drafted plenty of Alabama stars and trusts Nick Saban. Jones will be at the Senior Bowl this week, and I’m expecting him to impress. And yes, if you’re keeping count, this makes five quarterbacks in the top 15 picks.
Kiper Jr. has Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence going No. 1 (Jaguars), BYU’s Zach Wilson going No. 4 (Falcons), Fields going No. 7 (Lions) and North Dakota State’s Trey Lance landing No. 8 (Panthers). Jones was an underdog at Alabama who worked his way to the top and the Saban connection would only make things sweeter for Belichick.
Jones led the Crimson Tide to an undefeated record, including an SEC Championship and National Championship in 2020. He threw for 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns and four interceptions in 13 games — with a 77.4 completion percentage and 203.1 quarterback rating.
Vegas Odds For Patriots To Go Undefeated
It’s hard to believe the Patriots draft a quarterback with their first pick, but they may be out of choices. Matthew Stafford, Jimmy Garropolo and Jacoby Brissett are a few free agent options.