The New England Patriots have an opportunity to add even more weapons to a Super Bowl squad this offseason. The organization is projected to rank tenth in the league in effective cap space, and with 12 picks in the upcoming draft, they have an opportunity to not only add stars but also build young depth.
In a recent mock draft, ESPN's Matt Miller has New England selecting Texas A&M's Cashius Howell at No. 31, and Fernando Mendoza's top target, Elijah Sarratt, with the 63rd pick.
Howell spent only one year with A&M, totaling 11.5 sacks and quickly becoming one of the conference's top pass rushers. Arm length is a concern with him, but that didn't seem to matter to Vrabel when he selected Will Campbell at No. 4 last season.
His impressive get off will make him a surefire top-40 selection, while other mocks see him selected in the top-20.
Elijah Sarratt could be the perfect pick for New England's offense
While the Patriots opted to improve their edge defense with Howell in round one, the addition of Indiana's Elijah Sarratt in the second round may be an even more enticing selection. Sarratt's range is generally predicted to be somewhere in the range of the late first to second round, so New England could be getting a steal with No. 63.
Miller describes the Patriots' receiver room as an "ensemble cast" led by Stefon Diggs. Diggs was an excellent addition this season, but he'll turn 33 during the 2026 season. Looking towards the future will be key for the success of the receiver room and offense, and Sarratt allows New England to get younger.
Size is no doubt something Vrabel and company appreciate. Mack Hollins has clearly been one of Josh McDaniels' favorite players when healthy, while Hunter Henry had a career year at tight end. Standing at 6-foot-2, Sarratt offers New England an additional outside threat to Kayshon Boutte and Hollins.
While all six rostered receivers are under contract in 2026, 2027 could be a mass exodus. Boutte, Hollins, and Pop Douglas all have one year left on their deals, while '26 is also a contract year for Hunter Henry. Giving Maye young weapons should be a priority, especially if adding A.J. Brown or George Pickens isn't a possibility.
Elijah Sarratt is comparable to Broncos' receiver Courtland Sutton
Miller compares the IU wideout to Courtland Sutton, a two-time Pro Bowler and three-time 1,000-yard receiver. He's had 25 touchdowns in his last three seasons, and caught the sole Denver touchdown against the Patriots in the AFC Championship.
This season, Sarratt had 65 catches for 830 yards and a whopping 15 touchdowns. One thing that makes him an intriguing prospect beyond his size is his performances against top competition. He had 92 yards and 2 touchdowns against No. 9 Illinois, 156 yards and a touchdown against Iowa, and 121 yards and a touchdown against No. 3 Oregon.
In Sarratt's six games against top-10 opponents, he had 7 touchdowns and averaged 65.5 yards per game.
While Sarratt isn't likely the end-all No. 1 wideout for Maye, he could be an elite No. 2 in the short term behind Diggs before they're able to add a younger alpha pass catcher. There's little doubt that Sarratt is among the best available with the 63rd pick.