The New England Patriots came up just short during an overachieving 2025 campaign and will now look to supplement their roster during the 2026 NFL Draft. They've already made some important decisions in free agency, and the draft will play a large part in just how far they can go next season.
Round 1 Pick 31: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Taking a receiver in the back end of the 1st round, especially after taking Kyle Williams in the 3rd round last year and adding Romeo Doubs in free agency, might not be the most analytically-driven move. However, Concepcion's upside as an all-around offensive weapon with elite YAC ability from the jump is certainly enticing. He could be the spark plug that they desperately need on offense, and would, at his worst, fill the gap that Stefon Diggs' departure created.
Round 2 Pick 63: Gennings Dunker, OT/OG, Iowa
If Eliot Wolf and company don't take an offensive lineman on Day 1, it's extremely hard to imagine that they would pass up on one on Day 2. Dunker, after the addition of OG Alijah Vera-Tucker, wouldn't have a starting role as a rookie. However, he has the versatility to be a swing tackle when necessary and provide help on the interior if an injury plagues the OL room.
TRADE: Round 3 Pick 95 + Round 7 Pick 247 to Minnesota Vikings for EDGE Jonathan Greenard
Another major shakeup, sack production is one area that the Patriots need to quickly address if they want to contend for a championship again next season. Losing K'Lavon Chaisson in free agency and releasing Anfernee Jennings, despite signing veteran Dre'Mont Jones, makes their defensive line situation even more of a concern. Greenard, who racked up 24.5 sacks from 2023-2024, has been made available by Minnesota with a reported asking price of a mid-round selection. With the free agent market for edge rushers increasingly thin, sending the Vikings their 3rd round selection (plus a 7th round flyer) could be a savvy move to round out their defensive front.
Round 4 Pick 125: Sam Roush, TE, Stanford
He's been a productive piece to the New England passing game, but Hunter Henry only has one remaining year on his contract, and he isn't getting any younger. With their positional depth also far from a strength, acquiring a tight end in the draft is a likely outcome. Roush is a great in-line blocker, and he can bring enough receiving ability to be a legitimate TE2 and longer-term option.
Round 4 Pick 131: Jalon Kilgore, CB/S, South Carolina
The word to describe Kilgore's game is versatility. He can line up anywhere within a defense's scheme, and he has the physicality that Mike Vrabel has been known to love. A defender with ball skills to succeed at the next level and a skillset against the run that can make him a valuable piece, the Patriots' recent success with drafting Craig Woodson in 2025 could lead them to take a similar chance on the Gamecocks' DB.
Round 5 Pick 171: Landon Robinson, DT, Navy
Robinson is an undersized defensive lineman, but man, does he bring some elite athleticism and play with an intriguing pass rush repertoire. Slotting him in as a rotational lineman in pass rush sets could pay great dividends in the short term. The Navy graduate absolutely tore apart offensive linemen during the Shrine Bowl, and his pro day produced numbers that would've been among the best in the class at his position.
Round 6 Pick 191: Fa'Alili Fa'Amoe, OT, Wake Forest
More offensive line depth! His impressive size alone gives him the foundation to be a potentially desirable prospect for coaches to work with, and he plays with footwork to be viable as a fill-in lineman as a rookie if needed. Fa'amoe could move inside to guard in the future, but, with the right developmental path, the Patriots could find a decent versatile blocker in the later rounds.
Round 6 Pick 198: Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin
What's a New England mock draft without a popular small-school sleeper? Demmings has received some favorable analysis from NFL Draft media on social media in recent weeks. He might not be available this late, but he would be a captivating Day 3 pick to add to the team's young secondary. His NFL Combine performance showed he has the athleticism to match up with NFL-level receivers, and he plays with a tenacity that makes him one of the top FCS prospects available.
Round 6 Pick 202: Red Murdock, LB, Buffalo
The top of the depth chart at linebacker is likely set, but the non-tendering of Jack Gibbens could lead to the New England brass investing in the position at some point in the draft. Murdock is an experienced linebacker prospect, and his physicality could lead to him carving out a role on defense, if not just special teams.
Round 6 Pick 212: Desmond Reid, RB/AP, Pittsburgh
Another undersized prospect, Reid is an explosive all-purpose player who can be the next receiving-heavy back to find success in New England. His special teams impact alone will make him worthy of a draft pick, with some real juice as a return man. He can really be a headache for defenders in 1-on-1 matchups out of the backfield as well.