The New England Patriots take the best approach in the 2026 draft by drafting the best player available - at positions of need - right down the line. That is pretty much what they did in 2025 with results that exceeded expectations.
There's absolutely no reason to diverge from that winning strategy in 2026.
Their needs in 2026 are significant across the field. The offensive line needs to be revamped; they need to get sack-producing edges; tight end and running back are thin; and inside linebacker depth is weak.
In this mock draft, they try to fill as many needs as possible without taking big dives in player rankings. It's all about filling holes in the roster, and that's exactly what they'll do.
Final 7-round mock draft for the New England Patriots that addresses every needy position
Round 1, Pick No. 31, Blake Miller, offensive tackle, Clemson
The 6'6 3/4", 317-pound Blake Miller is the best offensive tackle left on the draft board at pick No. 31. While some might question this pick, it's fortuitous for the Patriots that he's available.
The team has an imperative to protect Drake Maye, and he'll immediately step in as the swing tackle and be up if either starter, left tackle Will Campbell or right tackle Morgan Moses, gets dinged up. He'll also likely step into the starting right tackle spot after 2026.
NFL.com notes that Miller is likely headed to right tackle, exactly where the Patriots will ultimately play him.
"...Miller has unusual lateral quickness and fluidity in space despite playing too upright. His hands lack accuracy and command in both phases, but he can recover and make blocks with a finisher’s mindset. Miller is rarely beaten by rush games, but he has his edges attacked because of his hand issues.
He will encounter difficulties at the next level without better pad level, core strength and cleaner technique. If he tightens up in those areas, Miller can become a solid NFL right tackle."
Round 2, Pick No. 63. Cashius Howell, edge, Texas A&M
The 6'2 1/2", 253-pound Cashius Howell fills an immediate need on the edge for New England. Howell had a great season for the Aggies with 31 total stops, 6 passes defended, a forced fumble, 14 tackles for loss, and 11.5 all-important sacks.
The Patriots made two picks, and their top two needs are already filled.
NFL.com cites Howell's sack production,
"Bendy edge rusher with standout sack totals. Burst and elusiveness are on Howell’s rush menu and he pairs it with a refreshing inside spin counter. Though threatening, his rush could use more cohesive sequencing and better hand work to fully unlock its potential.
Howell might not be a three-down player right away, but his ability to create pressure sets him up for a role as a designated rusher, at minimum."
Round 3, Pick No. 95, Justin Joly, tight end, N.C. State
In the third round, the Patriots address another sneaky need and take N.C. State's 6'3 1/2", 241-pound tight end Justin Joly. Austin Hooper has left in free agency, and while they signed free agent Julian Hall, he's a blocker first and foremost.
Joly can catch the ball. He was named first-team all-ACC and notched 49 catches for 489 yards and caught seven touchdown passes.
NFL.com sees him as a move tight end, just where he'll be deployed by Mike Vrabel.
"Undersized pass-catcher with the ability to expand the route tree and challenge man coverage around the field. Joly still needs to polish his route-running but he has the footwork and athletic traits to uncover.
He doesn’t catch with much hand extension and fights throws on occasion but he makes up for it with impressive body control/catch toughness. His effort and strain as a blocker need to improve. Joly has the ability to contribute as a moveable “F” tight end."
Round 4, pick No. 125 (from Chicago), Derrick Moore, edge, Michigan
The Patriots further bolster Mike Vrabel's edge position with their first pick in the fourth round and take Michigan's 6'3 7/8", 255-pound edge Derrick Moore from Michigan. Moore earned first-team All-Big Ten and had a great season with 30 total stops, three pass breakups, 10.5 tackles for loss, and the all-important 10 sacks.
With second-round pick Howell and Moore, both double-digit sack producers in college, the Patriots have addressed a massive need in style.
NFL.com cites Moore's all-important sack production,
"Edge prospect with good size and length. Moore is far more active and engaged as a rusher than he is as a run defender. He has the ability to set firm edges, but his approach against the run can lack urgency.
Against the pass, Moore is a bull-rush aficionado, piling up pressures and sacks. He’s strong through the top of the rush but needs to prove he can consistently stress long, well-anchored tackles. When it’s time to finish, he tackles with reliable technique and timing...he projects as a starter capable of racking up pressures."
Round 4, pick No. 131, Matt Gulbin, center, Michigan State
In the fourth round, the Patriots further shore up their offensive line at a position in flux. They will likely move 2025's starting left guard, Jared Wilson, to center to replace Garrett Bradbury, who was let go. Wilson hasn't played center since 2024 at Georgia.
So prudently, they add depth to the position with the 6'3 5/8", 305-pound Matt Gulbin from Michigan State. Gulbin has solid position flexibility, having played guard at times at Michigan State as well as center.
NFL.com notes his solid anchor in pass protection, a key to protecting Drake Maye.
"Three-year starter with average size and good power. Gulbin is better at climbing to linebackers than he is at moving laterally to seal in the run game. He can be outreached at the point, but he stays tight to his block to reduce length disadvantages...He anchors well in protection...he has a chance to make a roster as a center who can swing to guard in a pinch."
Round 5, pick No. 171, Sam Roush, tight end, Stanford
With their final top round pick, the Patriots double up on the tight end position and take Stanford's 6'6", 267-pound Sam Roush. Like Joly, Roush can also catch the ball and had a solid season for the Cardinal, snagging 49 catches for 545 yards and two touchdowns.
With Hunter Henry at age 31, Roush is another investment in the future at the tight end position.
NFL.com cites him as a "Y" tight end with in-line blocking capability,
"In a draft landscape full of pass-catching tight ends, Roush stands out as one of the few plug-and-play “Y” tight ends (in-line blocking TE) available. He can make cut-off blocks in zone and combo blocks in gap schemes. He holds his own in pass protection, too. As a receiver, he’s not stiff, but he lacks elusiveness underneath.
While his catch production might draw questions, his size, toughness and pro-ready blocking profile could push him into Day 2 consideration."
Round 6, Pick No. 191 from Kansas City, Harrison Wallace III, Ole Miss
Harrison Wallace III will add depth to the wide receiver room, which hopefully will be fortified by the addition of No. 1 receiver A.J. Brown from the Eagles in a trade. The 5'11 7/8", 192-pound Wallace caught 61 passes for 934 yards and four touchdowns for the Rebels in 2025.
Round 6, Pick No. 198 from Minnesota, Jack Kelly, linebacker, BYU
The Patriots need depth at inside linebacker, and the 6'1 5/8", 240-pound Kelly will provide it. Kelly was a first-team All-Big 12. He notched 55 total stops, with two forced fumbles, a pass breakup, 13.5 tackles for loss, and a fabulous 10 sacks in 2025 for the Cougars.
Round 6, Pick No. 202 from Pittsburgh, Robert Henry Jr, running back UTSA
The 5'9 1/4", 196-pound Robert Henry Jr. will add depth behind Rhamondre Stevenson and rookie sensation Treveyon Henderson. Henry ran for 1,045 yards (6.9 yards per carry average) and scored nine touchdowns on the ground.
He also added another two scores through the air with 18 catches for 114 additional yards for the Roadrunners.
Round 6, Pick No. 212, Jeff Caldwell, wide receiver, Cincinnati
The 6'5 3/8", 216-pound Jeff Caldwell adds another big target for Drake Maye. While his 2025 production was a bit thin with just 32 catches for 478 yards and a solid six touchdowns, Caldwell opened eyes at the combine for another reason. He ran a blistering 4.31 forty-yard dash - at his size.
Round 7, Pick No. 247, Aaron Hall, defensive tackle, Duke
In the seventh round with their final 2026 pick, the Patriots add a depth piece to the defensive line that lost Khyiris Tonga in free agency. It's a 6'4", 290-pound defensive tackle, Aaron Hall, from Duke. Hall had 8 tackles for loss in 2024 with 3.5 sacks. His tackles for loss increased to 11 in 2025.
Add us as a preferred source on Google