The 2025 New England Patriots have already "shocked the world," as former linebacker Tedy Bruschi said, whether they win the Super Bowl as they did in 2001 and five other times or not. Mike Vrabel and Drake Maye have taken the NFL by storm. Regardless of where they finish, it's never too early to look ahead to 2026's draft.
The Athletic has suggested that the Patriots will choose another offensive tackle, Monroe Freeling from Georgia, in the first round.
There are many interesting aspects to The Athletic's choice. First, they have the Patriots selecting at No. 32. Since they haven't traded their 2026 first-round pick, that suggests the Patriots will indeed "shock the world" and win the Super Bowl. It's a bit premature, but it's a nice thought.
Nevertheless, picking late means you've done well in both the season and the playoffs, and that's exactly where you want to select. Taking an offensive tackle, as The Athletic suggests, is a great choice. It's all about protecting Drake Maye and opening up running lanes this offseason, and Freeling may be a way to do both.
The Patriots' taking an offensive tackle is a great move
The Patriots' offense and any NFL offense revolves around the quarterback. The Patriots have one of the best in the game again in blossoming second-year man Drake Maye. Maye is in the 2025 MVP conversation. Whether he wins it or not, further upgrading the offensive line is the key to ensuring even greater success of the Patriots' now proficient, and maybe soon to be prolific offense.
Dane Brugler of The Athletic has suggested the Patriots' first-round draft pick be Monroe Freeling, an offensive tackle out of Georgia, and it's hard to disagree with his choice.
"The Patriots’ new team motto: Protect Drake Maye at all costs. Morgan Moses has played well at right tackle this season, but he turns 35 in March. Freeling would be a great understudy who could provide short-term depth and a long-term answer on the outside."
Monroe Freeling would be a nice fit as a Patriots' backup initially
Picking as low as the Patriots may, you'll be looking at second-level tackles in the draft. Yet, you can still strike gold there or even in the second round. The highly touted Aireontae Ersery, drafted in the second round by Houston, is now the starting left tackle for the Texans. So they can be found.
Later projections will evaluate which likely tackles may be as good or better options than Freeling. Yet, the selection of another tackle high in the draft, either in the first or second rounds, makes perfect sense. Starting right tackle Morgan Moses will be entering his 13th NFL season in 2026 and will be 35 years old.
Moses was always a stopgap solution. Freeling can play on both the left and right side and may compete with tackle Marcus Bryant to replace Moses in 2026. Alternatively, he or Bryant, a 2025 seventh-round pick, can be a backup in 2026 and then be slated to replace Moses in 2027.
The Patriots have to get younger at right tackle, and the 2026 draft is the place to do so.