Fantasy Football 2021: Five Patriots You Should Consider Drafting

The Patriots certainly didn’t provide fantasy football managers a rooting interest during an underwhelming 2020 season in which New England lacked efficient quarterback play and offensive weapons all while its previously strong defense was hindered by injuries and COVID-related opt-outs.

The 2021 campaign, though, could offer a bit more both to Patriots fans and fantasy owners.

Here are five Patriots players you should consider selecting on draft night:

TE Jonnu Smith
Smith has the ability to be an elite option at the position as long as fellow tight end Hunter Henry (listed below) doesn’t cap his ceiling, and that’s a possibility. Still, it wouldn’t be overly surprising to see offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels get Smith involved in a variety of ways (maybe a handoff or two at the goal line?) so his value remains. We wouldn’t be all that surprised to see Smith lead all New England pass catchers in targets this season.

Patriots defense
The Patriots defense was a fantasy football juggernaut during the early going of the 2019 season and this 2021 group offers a lot of the same upside. The pass rush group — Matthew Judon, Kyle Van Noy, etc. — and talented secondary — Stephon Gilmore, JC Jackson and Devin McCourty — could have this unit among the league’s best. Playing offenses like the New York Jets (twice), Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars helps when it comes to schedule, too.

Fantasy Football Preview 2021

Aug 20, 2021

RB Damien Harris
Death, taxes and not trusting Patriots running backs in fantasy football, right? We can’t help but think Harris is poised for a breakout season after Bill Belichick noted the fact he is positioned for the lead-back role. The Patriots are going to run the ball a lot behind their offensive line all while taking pressure off either quarterback Cam Newton or Mac Jones. That’s some good PPR value for Harris. And if Jones becomes the team’s starter in short order, Harris’ goal-line ability completely takes over Newton’s usual QB keepers.

TE Hunter Henry
Admittedly, you probably want to temper your expectations with Henry given the fact Smith could see more targets. But with Newton or Jones behind center, the Patriots are likely to play a lot of 12 personnel, especially at the goal line. Henry will make his money for fantasy owners with his touchdown receptions. So while he’s probably in the third or fourth tier at the position, he’s certainly a strong TE2 for any roster.

WR Jakobi Meyers
Meyers certainly is not the usual type for a Patriots slot receiver, but the reality is he finds holes in the defense and could turn out to be the team’s leading wideout yet again — even after the offseason additions of Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne. Meyers could provide value as high as Round 8, and his previously built connection with Newton is worth noting, too.