The New England Patriots entered the 2025 NFL season with a new head coach in Mike Vrabel, a talented second-year quarterback in Drake Maye and a 2025 NFL Draft class they needed to hit on just to have a competitive season.
Well, the team hit on that draft class with players like Will Campbell, TreVeyon Henderson, Craig Wilson, Jared Wilson and Kyle Williams paying big roles in the team’s 14-3 transformation and journey to Super Bowl LX. With those players establishing themselves as important pieces on the roster, the Patriots will go into the 2026 NFL Draft looking to upgrade at key positions like edge rusher and the offensive line while adding depth at other key areas.
Win or lose in Super Bowl LX, the Patriots have had a stellar season lead by a coach and quarterback duo in Vrabel in Maye who should lead this team into the next decade. With 11 draft picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, this 7-round mock draft focuses on areas where the team can add to the foundation set by this 2025 ride to the Super Bowl.
Patriots find the edge they need with top pick
Round 1, No. 31 – Akheem Mesidor, ED, Miami
The Patriots rode their defense throughout the playoffs mainly due to the play of interior lineman Milton Williams and Christian Barmore. With the selection of Akheem Mesidor, they add more edge to their defensive line and a player who can add consistent pressure on the quarterback. With K’Lavon Chaisson in for a big pay day and Harold Landry III aging, the Patriots need to add the type of player in Mesidor is both explosive off the edge and has the versatility to create pressure from the interior of the defensive line as well. Selecting late in the first round, Mesidor will be an ideal pick given the team’s needs.
Round 2, No. 63 – Max Iheanachor, T, Arizona Sate
With Morgan Moses potentially calling it a career following Super Bowl LX, the Patriots find his replacement with the selection of Max Iheanchor. The 6-foot-5, 325-pound right tackle allowed 0 sacks on 860 snaps in 2025 and would be great playing on the right side along with Mike Onwenu. Known for his athleticism, foot speed and lateral mobility, Iheanchor is a offensive lineman who excels in an inside zone scheme. Not only would he provide great pass protection for Drake Maye, but he is a player who can get out in space on screens or wide runs which would benefit a running back like TreVeyon Henderson.
Round 3, No. 95 – Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma
In adding more explosiveness on offense, Oklahoma’s Deion Burks is the type of quick receiver who the Patriots can bring in to learn behind a veteran like Stefon Diggs. With 57 receptions for 620 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2025, Burks is a playmaker who can come in and compete with a player like Demario Douglas. He’s not big, but his shiftiness and ability to get open in tight spaces will benefit Maye and make the Patriots’ offense harder to defend depending on they can land a top receiver in the offseason like an A.J. Brown.
Round 4, No. 125 – Michael Taaffe, S, Texas
The Safety position is another area the Patriots will want to address in the offseason. 2025 NFL Draft fourth round pick Craig Woodson has been a great find, but Jaylinn Hawkins will be a free agent. Even if they bring him back, depth at the position needs to be addressed. With the selection of Texas safety Michael Taaffe they get that depth and a player who could compete with Hawkins for a starting role. In 2025, Taaffe recorded 70 tackles and 2 interceptions showing off his high football IQ and coverage versatility as a safety with cornerback skills. He also adds value as a core special teamer.
Round 4, No. 131 – Aiden Fisher, LB, Indiana
The Patriots get inside linebacker help with the selection of Indiana’s Aiden Fisher. Known as a great middle linebacker, Fisher has the defensive awareness and skillset to excel at the NFL level. Great at pre-snap recognition, a high-volume tackler against the run and effective in blitzing the quarterback, Fisher is the ultimate type of linebacker Mike Vrabel loves in his system. Playing next to and/or behind Robert Spillane, Fisher is a value pick at this spot despite being a bit undersized and lacking top-end speed. Those are typically the type of linebackers that excel in New England.
Patriots 2026 NFL Mock Draft - Rounds 5-7
- Round 5, No. 169 – John Michael Gyllenborg, TE, Wyoming
- Round 6, No. 190 – Jalon Daniels, QB, Kansas
- Round 6, No. 201 – Roman Hemby, RB, Indiana
- Round 6, No. 208 – Bryce Boettcher, LB, Oregon
- Round 6, No. 211 – Lake Mcree, TE, USC
- Round 7, No. 247 – Xavier Nwankpa, S, Iowa