As the 2021 NFL Draft gets closer, we’re seeing more experts predict who the New England Patriots will pick with the No. 15 overall selection. On Wednesday, Chris Trapasso of CBSSports.com made his selection for New England and he had defense in mind.
Trapasso had New England selecting Jaelan Phillips, a defensive lineman from Miami. Phillips recorded 45 tackles, eight sacks and an interception in 10 games played. His best game for Miami last season came against Virginia Tech where the Hurricanes won and he recorded eight tackles along with 2.5 sacks — he was truly a defensive force.
This selection is particularly interesting, as Trapasso has New England trading down to the No. 22 pick with the Tennessee Titans trading up to No. 15 overall. He believes that the selection of Phillips could help with the New England Patriots pass rush.
After sliding back to get a few day two selections, the Patriots address their anemic pass rush with Phillips, a former No. 1 recruit in the nation.
This would certainly be a huge boost for the New England defense. Phillips would immediately give them a weapon on the defensive line.
