New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is pleased with the progress of his 2021 draft class.
The Patriots addressed the need for a franchise quarterback last April, selecting Mac Jones with the organization’s first overall selection. Along the way, they also drafted defensive tackle Christian Barmore and running back Rhamondre Stevenson, both of whom have ended up becoming key contributors for New England.
Other picks from last year’s draft look to have a breakout season. Wide receiver Tre Nixon falls into that category. He was the last draft selection of longtime Patriots director of player personnel Ernie Adams.
Now, the former UCF standout is catching the eye of Belichick, as Nixon and the rest of the 2021 class continues to improve. He has had a terrific two days at minicamp.
Bill Belichick on the improvement he's seen from the 2021 draft picks pic.twitter.com/jz87oRKD4Y
— NBC Sports Boston's Patriots Coverage (@NBCSPatriots) June 8, 2022
With the Patriots undergoing a rebuild, a stellar 2021 draft class is important for future success. So far, it looks as though they are on the right track. Progress will be important in particular for Jones and Barmore, as they look to be the positional anchors for the future.
