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2021 NFL Draft: 49ers bulk up secondary in full Round 1 mock

By Peter Panacy

University of Alabama's Patrick Surtain II (2) Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
University of Alabama's Patrick Surtain II (2) Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Rashod Bateman, Minnesota Golden Gophers
Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Rashod Bateman (13) Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

47. . Wide Receiver. New England Patriots. Rashod Bateman. 19. player

2021 NFL Draft: Patriots (via Washington) select wide receiver Rashod Bateman, Minnesota

Yes, Bill Belichick passed up on the opportunity to grab a quarterback to replace Cam Newton in Round 1.

But it wouldn’t be overly shocking to see Belichick engineer the Patriots’ rebuild backwards and in contrast to the way most teams do: quarterback first.

If there was one thing clear, the Pats needed to provide additional weapons to Newton a year ago anyway. And with wide receiver Julian Edelman entering a contract year, it wouldn’t hurt for New England to seek out a viable replacement.

Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman is a perfect addition here, and he has the capability to line up either in the slot or on the outside, giving Belichick and whoever winds up playing under center some versatility on offense.