At the start of free agency, there isn't much to complain about how the Patriots have gone about business, as they have signed some stellar talent at needy positions and haven't lost too many players that will dramatically impact the team. The only exception would be defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga, who became a productive contributor on both defense and offense when needed.
Now that he's going to continue his career with the Chiefs, the Patriots need to find his replacement on the defensive line. There are plenty of free agent options available to consider, or they could look to the draft and use an early pick on a star player.
That's what Garrett Podell of CBS Sports has done in his latest mock draft, having New England use their No. 31 selection on one of the best defensive linemen of the incoming class.
Better yet, he's comparable to Tonga in a lot of ways, so that they would kill two birds with one stone with this pick.
The Patriots are quick to replace Khyiris Tonga by picking an athletic defender in the first round
In Podell's mock draft, the Patriots keep their first-round pick and select defensive lineman Caleb Banks out of Florida for several reasons, but especially to help fill the void that will inevitably be left from Tonga's departure.
"The Patriots lost defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga to the Chiefs, so they replace him at the back end of Round 1 with the uber-athletic Caleb Banks. He wreaked havoc in 2024 but played just three games in 2025 due to a foot injury. This is the type of big swing the defending AFC champs can afford."
While his injury is concerning and they'd have to be sure he's on the right track in his rehab, it's difficult to overlook just how good Banks was during the 2024 season.
In 12 games, the Florida Gator recorded 21 combined tackles, seven for a loss, one pass defended, one fumble recovery, two forced fumbles, and 4.5 sacks. He was projected to build upon that last year, only to have suffered a foot injury early in the season.
At 6-foot-7 and 265 lbs., Banks would be a massive addition to the defensive line in multiple ways, but especially as a pass rusher. Although he has some developing to do as a run stopper, the Patriots coaching staff is more than qualified to help him reach that, and he could become a major part of their defensive front for years to come.
It's exactly the kind of move they need to make if they want another chance at replicating their success from the 2025 season.