NFL free agency is well underway, and the New England Patriots have brought in several new players while releasing some others. The most pressing offseason dictate for any team with a franchise quarterback is to ensure that his offensive line is top-shelf.
In 2025, Mike Vrabel and Co. improved the dismal 2024 version, but it still wasn't good enough. More upgrades are necessary, and two draft experts have selected a massive upgrade for the team in Alabama's offensive tackle, Kadyn Proctor.
Protecting Drake Maye should always be the top priority for the Patiots' personnel operation. The team revolves around the quarterback, and the offensive line makes the whole offense go. As the Patriots saw in 2025, a quarterback injury and/or inadequate protection is catastrophic. It cost them the Super Bowl.
In free agency, the Patriots added a good guard, Alijah Vera-Tucker, when he's healthy. Injuries have cut short two of his first four seasons, so it's definitely a gamble to sign an injury risk on the offensive line.
Fortunately, two latest mock drafts have the Patriots getting the kind of player they need to help Maye succeed moving forward.
The Patriots need to select two offensive tackles in the 2026 NFL Draft
Barring a later move in free agency to sign a young veteran offensive tackle, the Patriots' imperative is to add to the tackle position and further bolster the guard position in the April draft. The first-round pick is the place to address the tackle if there's one available who fits the bill. In two mock drafts by NFL experts, a terrific option is luckily available at pick No. 31 when the Patriots select.
Charles Davis of NFL.com believes Proctor is the right player to add to their roster, citing his athleticism and ability to be a day 1 starter as a reason he's a great fit in Foxboro.
"A supreme athlete at 352 pounds, Proctor can also be a bully on the field (and I say that with admiration). He should earn a starting spot quickly for New England."
Another draft analyst, Vinny Iyer of the Sporting News, also chose Proctor, emphasizing the Patriots' need for a Morgan Moses successor as the foundation for selecting the Alabama product.
"The Patriots should want to get beefier at right tackle opposite Will Campbell to better run-block and pass-protect. Proctor was big rock for Simpson and can be the same for Drake Maye in Year 3."
The 6'7", 352-pound tackle is a mountainous obstacle to any pass rusher. NFL.com, in their combine Overview notes, "When set and centered, Proctor is a roadblock to speed-to-power charges. He has a stout anchor and strong hands to stall the rush in its track."
Proctor would immediately step in as the swing tackle in the event of an injury to the starters, Will Campbell and Morgan Moses. While Proctor's arm length, like Campbell's, isn't optimal, it's less of an issue at right tackle.
If the draft board falls nicely for the Patriots as both Davis and Iyer suggest, fate would have shone brightly on Mike Vrabel and his Patriots. There is no bigger need than improving the offensive line that surrendered far too many sacks last season (47 regular season and 21 postseason).
Proctor would be a massive addition who'd help reduce those numbers immediately.