Few drafts were as highly anticipated in the history of the New England Patriots as the 2021 NFL Draft. Fresh off the heels of a fever-dream 2020 campaign, the 2021 Draft was touted as the true dawn of the post-Tom Brady era. In 2020, the Patriots showed an intriguing blend of potential and disappointment, with a defense that remained stout under head coach Bill Belichick and a tattered offense duct-taped together by veteran quarterback Cam Newton. A strong start to the season was derailed by Newton’s bout with COVID, and it became clear that 2020 would just remain a post-breakup transition year.