The New England Patriots have multiple needs heading into the 2021 NFL Draft, but few are as glaring as cornerback. After losing Pro Bowler J.C. Jackson in free agency, the team does not have a clear starter for one of its outside spots.
While free agency did give the team an opportunity to bring in some experienced depth in the form of Malcolm Butler and Terrance Mitchell, neither of the two appears to be a long-term fix and heir to the role previously held by Jackson and Stephon Gilmore before him. As a result, the draft appears to be the Patriots’ best chance to find such a player.