New England Patriots Upcoming 2026 Draft Picks (9)
We’ve seen some sketchy trade-ups, but this was a great one. Caleb Lomu was the final tackle available in the first round, and he easily could have gone to the 49ers or Chiefs. Drake Maye was sacked at least five times in every single playoff game, so New England had to obtain someone like Lomu.
The Patriots have traded up again, and I like that they did so once more. Gabe Jacas could have been chosen early in the second round as a quick and strong defensive end. He’s a good player in run support and the pass rush, so the Patriots are getting a quality upgrade on the edge.
It’s not a surprise that the Patriots drafted a tight end, with Hunter Henry aging. Eli Raridon is a good route runner with plus athleticism, but carries a very checkered injury history. I thought he would go later than this because of his injuries.
Karon Prunty is fine for this range for the Patriots, who needed to bolster secondary depth. Prunty is a talented zone corner, but he's very weak and needs to beef up for the NFL.
Dametrious Crownover has a big body and needs to improve his conditioning. If he can, he could end up competing for a starting job if the Patriots have injuries up front. I had him going in this range, so this is a nice choice for the Patriots, as any sort of quality blocking is welcome.
Namdi Obiazor is an athletic and productive linebacker, but he's small and may not have much of a role outside of special teams. I didn't have him being drafted.
Behren Morton is accurate, but doesn't see the field well and makes poor decisions. This is not a pick I would have recommended. Why not just go with Garrett Nussmeier?
Jam Miller was not impressive last year and appeared to be weighed down by injuries. Maybe he can overcome them and be a decent backup behind TreVeyon Henderson, but that probably won't happen.
Quintayvious Hutchins is an extremely fast edge rusher with a high motor, but is severely undersized. He might just be too limited to be in the NFL.
Walt's Mock Selections as of 4/23/2026 - View Current Mock Draft
Round: 1
We all saw how poor New England's offensive line was throughout the playoffs. Drake Maye took at least five sacks in every postseason contest, which simply can't be allowed to happen again. If, however, all of the first-round tackles are off the board, the Patriots could target a safety because that's a weak part of their defense. Max Iheanachor was a nasty, power run blocker who needs to improve his pass protection. *** OTHER 2026 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: *** 1. Caleb Lomu/Blake Miller, OTs - One of these tackles could be available. If so, they'll be favored to be the pick. 2. Omar Cooper/Denzel Boston/K.C. Concepcion, WRs - Just in case things have fallen through with the A.J. Brown since Dianna Marie Russini's previous report. Pick change; previously Chase Bisontis, OT/G
Round: 2
The Patriots had one of the weakest starting centers in the NFL last year, so they'll need to give Drake Maye someone new under center. Connor Lew is a strong and agile blocker.
Round: 3
Kevin Byard is an older player, so he could regress at any moment. I could see the Patriots going after two safeties in this draft. Zakee Wheatley is considered a sleeper safety prospect. He was stout against the run for Penn State.
Round: 4
The Patriots have to draft numerous offensive linemen to make sure Drake Maye isn't sacked so often. Travis Burke is a huge and long tackle, but has slow feet. Pick change; previously Max Klare, TE
Round: 4
The Patriots have seen Buffalo's receiver group get improved, so New England will be looking for cornerback help. Daylen Everette has a ton of upside with a strong skill set. Pick change; previously Isaiah World, OT
Round: 5
The Patriots have to add multiple safeties because they are weak at the position. V.J. Payne is a big safety who possesses great strength and some ability to play deep free safety. Pick change; previously Caleb Douglas, WR
Round: 6
With so many picks in the sixth round, the Patriots could ue one of them to select another running back for the future. Adam Randall has good speed for a big back, but he drops the ball often and struggles in pass protection.
Round: 6
Teams are always looking for as much pass-rushing talent as possible. Drake Maye was sacked at least five times in every playoff game. Perhaps the Patriots can return the favor. Jordan Hudson is a smart player who could be a solid possession receiver in the pros. If he doesn't pan out in the NFL, perhaps he'll spend some time with Bill Belichick. Pick change; previously Harold Perkins, DE
Round: 6
The Patriots need to continue to add as much talent to their offensive line as possible. Micah Morris has good strength, quickness, and athleticism, but his work ethic and conditioning are poor.
Round: 6
It would be a surprise if the Patriots didn't add a linebacker at some point. Aidan Fisher is an instinctive linebacker, but has some limitations for the NFL.
Round: 7
The Patriots could stand to add depth in their secondary, which is a weakness right now. Malik Spencer can play multiple spots in the secondary, but struggles with speed.
Past Grades and Selections
2025 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
A+ The Patriots could have been scared off by Will Campbell’s short arms, but I think this would have been a huge mistake. Plenty of offensive linemen with short arms have thrived over the years. Campbell has elite tape and athleticism. In fact, prior to the 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Combine, only two offensive linemen recorded his level of athleticism: Trent Williams and Tristan Wirfs. That’s pretty great company! The Patriots obviously made the correct pick here to find much-needed protection for Drake Maye.
A I’m not a big fan of Rhamondre Stevenson, so I’m all for the Patriots attempting to either upgrade him or complement him. TreVeyon Henderson should be a better pro, and he’s one of the best players available. He can play all three downs for New England, which Stevenson can’t really do that well. Henderson easily could have gone in the first round.
B+ This is an obvious need. The Patriots have nothing at receiver, and that includes Stefon Diggs, who is coming off a torn ACL. Kyle Williams is a third-round prospect who could have easily gone late in the second, so I like this pick for New England.
A+ We go from one of the dumbest picks of all time to an A+ selection. Jared Wilson is a great choice. The Patriots needed to add three offensive linemen in this class, including a center, and Jared Wilson is highly athletic with lots of upside.
MILLEN This reminds me of when Bill Belichick would just quit on the draft on Day 3 and select players who were going to be UDFAs. What is this pick? Craig Woodson had UDFA written all over him. Maybe seventh round at best. This is a terrible pick. The Patriots could have taken better players who could have filled needs.
A+ I can see why the Patriots traded up for Joshua Farmer. I thought there was a chance he could sneak into the second round, so this is a huge steal. Famer can play well as both a run stuffer and a pass rusher, and the Patriots needed help in both regards.
A+ The Browns aren't the only team getting great value in Round 5. Bradyn Swinson is someone I've had going on Day 2 in most of my updates. He's a talented edge rusher with a good combination of speed and strength. The Patriots needed another edge rusher, so I love this pick.
B The first kicker or punter is off the board. Bravo to NFL teams for waiting until the sixth round. Andres Borregales was 18-of-19 last year, including 7-of-8 from 40-plus.
B Marcus Bryant is a lengthy tackle with some upside. He has a ton of starting experience in school, too. Adding more protection for Drake Maye isn't a bad idea.
B+ Julian Ashby was the only long snapper I expected to be drafted. Julian Ashby could have gone earlier than this, so this is a rare event in which there's some value with a long snapper.
C The Patriots traded into this pick to draft a cornerback. I know people were anticipated for Cobee Bryant to be drafted. Instead, New England picked Kobee Minor. I didn't have Minor being drafted, so perhaps the Patriots should have gone with Bryant instead.
2024 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
A- There was great speculation that the Patriots would trade out of this pick, but they were never going to accept any offers that wouldn't blow them away. The reason is simple - the Patriots were desperate for a franchise quarterback and happened to be in position to draft one. Drake Maye is riskier than the two quarterbacks chosen before him, but he has immense upside. The Patriots made a wise decision to draft him over any of the other options.
A I love when teams can take a prospect at a spot, but trade down and still get that player. This is what the Patriots did, so they should be graded highly for it. Ja'Lynn Polk makes sense here as a second-round prospect, and he fills a need. New England did well to move up into Day 2 and still acquire him.
C- This reminds me of the Bill Belichick days when Belichick would just throw his arms up in the air and draft players way ahead of schedule because his big board was blown up. We had Caeden Wallace firmly as a third-day player, so this is a reach for sure. I like adding a lineman for Drake Maye, but Wallace could have been chosen later.
A Teams are off to a great start to begin Day 3. The Patriots need to protect Drake Maye because their offensive line has been so dreadful lately. I've had Layden Robinson slotted on Day 2 of my mock draft, so I love this value.
A+ The Patriots are taking a break from addressing the offense to go to defense. They're getting a stellar value, so it's easy to understand way. Marcellas Dial could have gone in the third round with no complaints, so this is a steal.
C- This is a stupid pick. Joe Milton has a massive arm, but his decision-making in the pocket is horrendous. He's a long-term project, but the Patriots will be developing Drake Maye. New England should have given Maye more to work with instead of competition.
A+ I thought Jaheim Bell would go two or even three rounds earlier than this, so I love the value. I also like the need fit, as Hunter Henry is now in his 30s and will need to be replaced soon.
2023 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
B Mike Tomlin wanted to upgrade his secondary. The front office wanted to solidify the offensive line. The front office wins. Maybe. Broderick Jones has huge upside, but he has a much lower floor than the other three offensive linemen selected so far. This is a risky move, especially given the trade up, but I don't blame the Steelers for making the pick because Kenny Pickett needed better protection to take the next step.
A The Patriots have numerous expiring contracts at defensive end in the next couple of years, so they had to find a pass rusher for the long haul. Keion White had a slight chance to be a first-round pick, so I think this is a great value pick for Bill Belichick, who is having a great draft thus far.
F What is this, seriously? The Patriots could have moved down two rounds and drafted Marte Mapu. I didn't even have him as a definite pick in all seven rounds. Bill Belichick loves going off the board like he did last year with Cole Strange, and this is another instance of that.
C Patriots fans can't be upset with the team drafting an offensive lineman, given how bad the blocking was last year. However, Bill Belichick is going off the board again, as Jake Andrews was a borderline draftable prospect. New England should have traded down.
A- Josh McDaniels said he wanted a quarerback for the long haul, so here he is. Aidan O'Connell has a good arm and really improved his accuracy last year. I like this pick, as I had O'Connell going 24 selections earlier.
A Kayshon Boutte was considered a first-round prospect this time last year. He then disappointed production-wise at LSU, and then proceeded to test very poorly at the combine. Still, he's well worth drafting at this point, especially given the Patriots' poor receiving room.
B I'm not going to bash a punter pick in the sixth round. Punters, like kickers, are abominations, but you can draft an abomination in the sixth round. This is much better than a kicker in the third round.
2022 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
MILLEN Grade
Our first Millen grade of the 2022 NFL Draft is by ... the Patriots!? Wow! I don't get this at all. Bill Belichick easily could've made this selection in the second round, or maybe even the third. I had Cole Strange 144th in my mock draft. I looked around to see if I was just way off, and Charlie Campbell had Strange 115th. Going off-side, Dane Brugler had Strange 93rd. Did Belichick think we were in the third round? I don't understand this pick at all.
MILLEN Grade
I'm convinced Bill Belichick is on drugs. He spent a first-round pick on a third-round guard, and now he traded up for a fifth-round prospect in the second frame. Belichick could've traded down for Thornton and still acquired him! I don't understand what's happening, but if Belichick keeps making these horrible picks, I'm going to have to re-name MILLEN to BELICHICK.
B Grade
I expected Bill Belichick to draft a 2024 UDFA at this rate, but he finally didn't reach. Marcus Jones is someone I always tried to move up in my mock draft. He makes sense in the third round, and he obviously fills a need after New England lost J.C. Jackson.
C+ Grade
Surprise, surprise, the Patriots reached for a player! It's not as bad to do so on Day 3, but I had Jack Jones in the sixth or seventh round in some of my updates. He thrived at the combine, but he could have been chosen later than this. Still, it makes sense that New England would take a cornerback, and Bill Belichick knows a thing or two about players at that position.
C- Grade
Bill Belichick might send me hate mail after this draft, but I don't like this pick either. Pierre Strong is a bit of a reach, and the Patriots have no need for a running back with so much talent at the position.
A- Grade
I had Keontay Ingram a round earlier than this, so I like the value. Ingram is a nice receiving back, which is crucial because Arizona lost Chase Edmonds this offseason.
2021 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
D Grade
Yuck. I can't fail the Patriots because they're getting "value" with a quarterback some thought would go third overall. That said, several teams we spoke to had Jones in the second round. One had him pegged as a third-day prospect! Jones is an Andy Dalton with DUIs. There's no upside with him. He'll need to be surrounded with an all-star cast to reach the playoffs consistently, which was the exact case with Dalton.
A+ Grade
I love this pick. Back in February, some league sources told us that Jackson Carman could sneak into the opening round. He obviously didn't, so the Bengals are getting awesome value with Carman, especially when considering that they traded down eight spots. They had to improve their offensive line to protect Joe Burrow, and they did just that with Carman.
B Grade
Ronnie Perkins figures to be a productive edge rusher in the NFL, but he'll have to be a situational player because he'll get killed in run support. Still, the pick makes sense because the Patriots are now chasing the Bills, so they need to pressure Josh Allen as much as possible. I'm a bit concerned with Perkins' off-the-field issues, but this is still a solid pick.
B Grade
The Patriots have addressed the backfield again, which isn't a big surprise because neither Damien Harris nor Sony Michel has been overly impressive. I've had Rhamondre Stevenson in this range, so this pick makes sense to me.
B+ Grade
I wonder if Joe Burrow demanded Tyler Shelvin as well. Shelvin is a monstrous nose tackle who can help stop the run. Remember, the Bengals haven't beaten Lamar Jackson yet, so this should help them stop Baltimore's rushing attack. This is the right range for Shelvin.
A Grade
It's no surprise that the Bengals are drafting another offensive lineman so that Joe Burrow, coming off a knee injury, is as well protected as possible. I've had D'Ante Smith pegged around the third frame, so the Bengals seem to be getting strong value with D'Ante Smith.
B Grade
The Patriots had severe issues at linebacker last year, so it's surprising that they waited this long to address the position. Cameron McGrone may have been slotted at the end of the fifth round of one of my updates, so the value is OK.
A- Grade
Joshuah Bledsoe was a solid tackler over his years in Missouri. I thought he would go in the third or fourth round, but he slipped to the Patriots in the sixth frame, so I consider this to be a great value pick. The Patriors needed young blood in the defensive backfield.
C- Grade
Here's another player I never considered mocking. I had 500-plus players ranked, but William Sherman didn't make the cut. He likely could have been acquired as a UDFA.
B+ Grade
The Patriots' receiving corps is an abomination, so it's shocking that they waited this long to address the need. I had Tre Nixon in the final couple of rounds in some of my mock updates. He's a good athlete with some upside, so he could compete for some snaps.
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