The Super Bowl is over, and now our attention shifts firmly to the offseason and how the New England Patriots can make their team even better than it already is. This, of course, includes taking a deep
dive into the upcoming NFL Draft.
To start with that, here is my first seven-round mock draft of the year. I decided not to make any trades to start things off, and make all 11 selections the Patriots have not to complicate things too much.
Also, a few reminders before we get stated. Compensatory picks have not yet been announced, so the picks from Round 4 on marked with an asterisk might be a little bit off from what they will actually end up being. Also, I have included each player’s current ranking on the Mock Draft Database consensus bi. board for reference.
And now, without further ado, let’s get into my Mock Draft 1.0
Round 1
1-31: OT/G Jennings Dunker (Iowa | No. 47): With his incredible mullet and his play on the field, Dunker was the darling of the Senior Bowl. He has a nasty streak to him, too, and reminds me of Logan Mankins, who also made the transition from tackle to guard upon entering the NFL.
Dunker was willing to play anywhere at the Senior Bowl, taking snaps at tackle, guard, and even center. The Patriots need some serious help on the offensive line, so investing there for a second straight season makes sense. Put Dunker next to Will Campbell with Jared Wilson moving back into his natural spot at center, and the O-line would likely see some serious improvement in 2026.
There is a chance that his stock rises above this spot, but I love this kid, so he absolutely had to be in my first mock of the offseason.
Round 2
2-63: WR Malachi Fields (Notre Dame | No. 50): The Patriots take another Senior Bowl standout in the second round with Fields. He was the best overall receiver at the all-star showcase this year, and used his 6-foot-4, 223-pound frame well. His ability to come down with contested catches is impressive, and the Patriots could use a guy with the reliable hands Fields has.
He doesn’t necessarily have breakaway speed, but his route running is solid, and Drake Maye has shown he can take advantage of bigger-body receivers (see: Mack Hollins). The Patriots went for a speedy receiver on Day 2 of last year’s draft, and this year they go for size and physicality.
Round 3
3-95: TE Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt | No. 82): It has been a while since the Patriots have invested draft capital in the tight end position, and it shows. Hunter Henry has been a reliable target for them, as has Austin Hooper, but they don’t get many explosive plays out of them, especially against good defenses. That’s where Eli Stowers comes in
Coming off a season where he won the Mackey Award as the nation’s top tight end, the former quarterback looks like he can step in and immediately help in the passing game. He is undersized for a typical in-line tight end and would need to have to put on some weight to be a factor in the run game, but the Patriots need more athleticism and playmaking from the tight end position regardless of size. Stowers will certainly give them that.
Round 4
4-125*: LB Taurean York (Texas A&M | No. 119): The linebacker position in the NFL is changing, and York is a good example of that. At 5-foot-10, 227 pounds, he would never had even been considered a linebacker 10 years ago, but he might be able to help the Patriots on the second level in today’s NFL.
His instincts and ability to diagnose plays are incredible, and he is a sure tackler as well. His movement skills are good, and he is strong as a blitzer, something New England showed it knows how to use. The Patriots need more help at the linebacker position, and, although York is undersized, he brings the physicality and football IQ that they are looking for.
4-131*: CB Daylen Everette (Georgia | No. 123): The Patriots have a very good cornerback room right now, led by one of the best corners in the league in Christian Gonzalez. With that being said, it is never a bad idea to build on strength, especially in the secondary. That’s where Everette comes in.
He has NFL-caliber size at 6-foot-1, 190 pounds and is a very good press-man player. He needs a little bit of work and refinement in zone, but has some good players to learn from. Everette is a willing and physical tackler in the run game, and offers the Patriots another solid option on the outside of their defense. Cornerback is a position where you need depth, and Everette combines just that with the potential to turn into an every-down player further down the line.
Round 5
5-169*: DT Landon Robinson (Navy | No. 472): Here’s another all-star game standout for you. Robinson dominated at the East-West Shrine Bowl, and was then invited to the Senior Bowl. He might be on the smaller size at 6-foot-0, 287 pounds, but his explosion and burst off the ball are special, and he was nearly unblockable in all-star practices.
The consensus board hasn’t caught up yet, but Robinson is a hot commodity and there is a chance that he isn’t even available at this spot. The first mock, however, is for the guys that you really like, and Robinson is one of those guys.
The Patriots had great interior pressure this season, and, as noted above, it makes sense to build on strength. Robinson is definitely undersized, but the athleticism that he brings to the table is bordering on elite. He would be a very fun piece for the Patriots front 7.
Round 6
6-190*: DT Kaleb Proctor (Southeastern Louisiana | No. 213): Did I mention that I want the Patriots to add to the strength they already have on their defensive line?
I will say, I definitely have a type. Proctor is another undersized defensive lineman who has a fantastic burst off the line. With the Patriots’ penetrating defense, and the need to be able to get after the passer from different spots along the D-line, adding more depth to what already is a talented pass rush especially on the inside would make a ton of sense. On Day 3, it’s all about trying to find the diamond in the rough that is going to play above expectations. A small-school defensive lineman who shows possibly elite traits fits the bill for that.
6-201*: ED Keyshawn James-Newby (New Mexico | No. 237): Let’s stay with our theme of defensive line help. James-Newby was a dominant pass rusher at New Mexico last year, finishing with 10 sacks and 74 combined pressures. He transferred in from Idaho, and was able to prove that he can play against better talent this past season.
After adding to the interior of the defensive line above, the Patriots now add to the edge as well. We’ll see if free agent K’Lavon Chaisson comes back next season, but, even if he does, the Patriots are going to need more depth at the position, and they will get that with James-Newby. They had success with small-school rookie Elijah Ponder in 2025, and it makes sense for them to try the same this year as well.
6-208*: OT Aamil Wagner (Notre Dame | No. 208): The Patriots added to the interior of their offensive line already, but they are also going to be in need of help at the tackle spot. That’s where Aamil Wagner comes in.
Wagner boasts great length, and a good understanding of how to set up blocks. He might not be the smoothest athlete, but he has decent athleticism. The Patriots need as much help as they can get on the offensive line, and getting a player with this size and raw skill should improve their depth, and give them an option at right tackle for when Morgan Moses leaves.
6-211*: RB J’Mari Taylor (Virginia | No. 211): The Patriots spent a second-round pick on a running back last year, but they could use some depth at the position behind TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson. Taylor led the ACC in rushing last year, and is a solid contributor out of the backfield as a receiver as well.
As is the theme of this mock draft, he is a little undersized, and he also lacks elite breakaway speed, but he is a tough runner who has above-average quickness and is great at breaking tackles. He could be a solid option as a third-down back, and his ability to run between the tackles will keep the defense guessing when he’s on the field.
Round 7
7-247*: WR Aaron Anderson (LSU | No. 228): Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but Anderson is an undersized player. What the 5-foot-8, 188-pounder brings to the table, however, is elite speed and quickness. His ability to stretch the field, but also get in and out of his breaks, make him a tough cover.
The biggest concern is going to be his size, and whether or not he is able to stay healthy for a full NFL season, especially since his 2025 campaign at LSU was injury-disrupted. Still, for the last pick in this mock draft, I like taking a swing on a player that can be a potential game-breaker, and the Patriots might be thinking the same.
One of the comps I have seen for him is DeMario Douglas, and he’s worked out OK here, so I don’t mind taking a chance on Anderson, especially at pick No. 247.
So, there you have it. It’s officially draft season here at Pats Pulpit. As always, please share your thoughts on the draft below and whether or not you believe offensive line should indeed be a top priority for the Patriots in the first round.
