The New England Patriots will be on the clock shortly in the 2026 NFL draft. Picking at No. 31 won't elicit the same level of intense interest as the past two drafts' picking at No. 3 and No. 4, respectively. But the draft is the draft. Wherever your team picks, it's an event.
One former Patriots great, David Andrews, says he's bullish on Clemson's big right tackle, Blake Miller, who he believes would be the perfect first-round pick for his former team.
Patriots legend David Andrews likes OT Blake Miller at 31.
— Savage (@Savageboston) April 16, 2026
But David doesn’t think you should discuss moving Will Campbell for “another year or two.”
🎥: @NBCSBoston, @dandrews61 pic.twitter.com/bQOfO2r9cD
The Patriots had an imperative entering the 2026 offseason to improve their offensive line, which gave up far too many sacks in 2025. They did little in free agency to fix it. They signed a talented guard, Alijah Vera-Tucker. The problem is, he's out of the lineup injured way too often - including all of 2025.
The other addition was James Hudson III, a backup tackle a la Vederian Lowe.
Miller, on the other hand, is a top-rated right tackle, and when an experienced former Patriots' star offensive lineman comments on a prospective O-line draftee, Patriot Nation should listen. The Patriots need better players up front to protect franchise quarterback Drake Maye. It's priority No. 1, and Miller would fit in seamlessly.
David Andrews likes Blake Miller and wants Will Campbell at left tackle
It's clear why Andrews is slotting right into a media role in Patriot Nation. He knows what he's talking about. He may be a bit biased as a former offensive center, but who'd know better than Andrews that it's the offensive line that, after the quarterback, makes the entire team go.
Miller is Pro Football Focus's No. 4-rated offensive tackle in the 2026 draft.
"Miller has the frame and overall skill set of a potential starting NFL offensive tackle. His experience shows up in his patient, consistent pass protection, and if he continues to add strength, he can develop into an impact player."
If he slips to pick No. 31, the Patriots should rush the card up to the Commissioner and take him. The 6'6 3/4", 317-pound Miller will immediately assume the swing tackle role. He'll back up Morgan Moses on the right, and maybe even Campbell on the left side if either gets dinged up.
NFL.com noted Miller's dependability, having started 54 games at Clemson in his collegiate career, calling him the "ultimate iron man at right tackle". With Campbell ticketed by head coach Mike Vrabel to be the left tackle, Miller will have at least a year of seasoning behind 35-year-old right tackle Morgan Moses. He'll likely slot right into Moses spot in 2027 as a bookend to Campbell.
David Andrews knows the NFL, especially offensive line play, having called the signals for the Patriots for 9 years after signing as an undrafted free agent in 2015. He started all eight seasons he was healthy until 2024.
If Andrews is bullish on Miller and he winds up in Foxborough, Patriot Nation should be ecstatic. They'd have filled a top need position with a top player. Draft Grade: A.
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