The New England Patriots needed to have a stellar 2021 NFL Draft and, so far, the results have been quite positive.
After a couple years of lackluster drafting, the Patriots acquired at least three quality players in 2021 -- quarterback Mac Jones, defensive tackle Christian Barmore and running back Rhamondre Stevenson -- while others could emerge in the next year or two.
Jones was the team's first-round pick at No. 15 overall. He was the first quarterback Bill Belichick had ever selected in the first round since he became Patriots head coach in 2000.