2021 NFL mock draft: Patriots trade up to No. 4, creating unprecedented run on quarterbacks

New England's trade with Atlanta sets the stage for a historic pick

I couldn't wait to get involved in mock draft season any longer. After spending the past two months since Super Bowl LV talking to scouts and executives about the prospects, and especially after seeing the holes plugged by teams in free agency, I'm ready to throw my hat into the mock ring led by Ryan Wilson.A couple of things. First of all, if you want to trade up with me for a quarterback, it's going to cost more than what the trade-value chart says. These aren't picks for picks when you're talking QBs. It's picks for franchise future. That costs more, and you'll see that reflected below. My Patriots mock trade with the Falcons is a perfect example as New England paid a steep price to move up to No. 4 in order to land its quarterback, which capped an unprecedented run on quarterbacks with the first four picks.     Secondly, if I were heading a draft this year, I would look to amass as much 2022 draft capital as possible. The lack of a combine, the questions about player health, the lack of game tape, the inability for your scouts to see prospects in person throughout the season and all other COVID-related restrictions would not breed confidence in my evaluation process. I would use the ego and aggressiveness of other teams/GMs against them, selling my 2021 picks for future selections where, in a post-COVID world, we'll be back to normal (hopefully). Obviously I would draft some players in 2021, but I would use this year's draft to "win" next year's draft and, in some ways, win both years.But because I doubt GMs feel the same way I do since it's not my job on the line, and because it's difficult to tell your entire staff that you're virtually ignoring their months of hard work in a pandemic to try it all again next year, you won't see much of that below.And if you don't like who I mocked to your team, please send all complaints to the aforementioned Ryan Wilson. Craving even more NFL coverage focusing on previews, recaps, news and analysis? Listen below and follow the Pick Six podcast for a daily dose of everything you need to follow pro football.