For most of the 2026 offseason, the Patriots were projected to use their first-round pick on one of two positions: an offensive tackle or a pass rusher, as both were considered among their biggest roster holes after their Super Bowl run last year.
They addressed the offensive line by trading up with the Bills for Caleb Lomu out of Utah, who gives them swing tackle capabilities and a potential future right tackle after Morgan Moses inevitably moves on. That now allows them to focus on the defense on Day 2, and there's a chance they could seriously consider trading for a veteran rather than drafting a rookie.
Although there are some notable names remaining on the board after Round 1, fans have linked New England to Jonathan Greenard ever since the Vikings were rumored to be shopping the 29-year-old ahead of the draft.
The current alleged asking price is a Day 2 pick, so a second or third-rounder, and the Patriots might be enticed by a veteran far more than the prospects left on the board, and trading for Greenard could be their next best move.
Jonathan Greenard could be the Patriots' next best trade during the NFL Draft
Because the Vikings have been a bit wishy-washy about Greenard being in their plans, it's difficult to determine whether they will be willing to move the veteran at all, or even for a later second-round pick. That's what the Patriots have to offer, and if they think a solid replacement will be available, there's no real reason for Minnesota to decline.
The Patriots could offer No. 63 or No. 95 for Greenard to get a deal done and immediately upgrade their defense to a level that a rookie wouldn't be able to deliver in Year 1.
Either pick should do the trick, at least according to the latest insight from NFL insiders, and they could then go after the best player available with their other selection. They would get veteran experience on their defensive line, along with proven production, and replace what they lost from K'Lavon Chaisson leaving in free agency.
Greenard is just one season removed from recording 59 combined tackles, 18 for a loss, 22 quarterback hits, three passes defended, four forced fumbles, 12 sacks, and his first Pro Bowl honors. That's the kind of player Mike Vrabel would love to have on his roster.
Although he didn't replicate that kind of performance in 2025, the potential is there, and perhaps a change of scenery could do the trick.
At the very least, the Patriots should explore what a trade would entail and seriously consider the benefits of adding a veteran pass rusher rather than a rookie. That way, they won't eventually regret passing on Greenard, especially if he is traded for a good price and goes on to have another impressive season.
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