The Patriots are back in familiar territory in this year's draft, slated to pick at No. 31 in the first round, as opposed to recent years, when they landed in the top 10. That means they have far fewer options once they're on the clock, and because they have plenty of needs to address, who they ultimately select is anyone's best guess.
Most analysts believe they'll likely take an EDGE player or an offensive lineman, as both positions need improvement for the 2026 season. The team has met with several candidates to fill those roles, but it looks like Mike Vrabel might have just given away the direction they'll go in.
The head coach was one of the few present for Arizona State's Pro Day on Friday, and he got into the weeds with star right tackle Max Iheanachor, just as he has at Patriots practice over the past year.
Given the need for a succession plan for Morgan Moses, who is expected to start at right tackle this upcoming season, it would be wise for New England to get the next guy up now, and Iheanachor should be available at the end of the first round.
Mike Vrabel getting involved pic.twitter.com/WWeuMQeiXl
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) March 27, 2026
We haven't seen Vrabel get hands-on with any other prospects through the pre-draft process, so this is noticeably different and could indicate how the Patriots feel about Iheanachor's potential.
Mike Vrabel's willingness to work with Max Iheanachor at his Pro Day might indicate a bigger plan
The incoming offensive tackle class is projected to be deep, but not in the way that the Patriots will be looking for. Most experts believe quite a few will go off the board in Round 1, but the dropoff from the first round to the next best prospects is not good.
That puts even more pressure on a team like the Patriots to get the guy they want early, and that might mean taking a player like Iheanachor with the 31st overall pick, or even trading up for him.
There are a few tackle-needy teams ahead of them at the bottom of the first round, so that might require they combine some of their extra middle-round picks to move up and ensure they get the right player to replace Moses in 2027.
It's a move that, although it would be widely considered unexciting, would be difficult to argue wasn't smart, especially since Moses will be entering the final year of guaranteed money on his contract this season.
They could easily replace him next year with Iheanachor, despite most believing he could start as a rookie, and their offensive line would be set for years to come, which is exactly what Drake Maye needs.
The work that Vrabel was putting in with him seems to indicate they're interested in doing just that, but we'll have to wait and see what happens once the draft is finally here.