The 2026 NFL Draft is less than 10 days away as the New England Patriots continue the process of finishing their board. Things will look quite different for the team this draft picking 31st overall after back-to-back years selecting in the top-five. With good talent along the interior of their defensive line, New England may just look for depth in the late round unless a top option becomes the best player available on their board.
So, with that said, let’s take a look at some of the prospects that might
make sense for the Patriots at the position.
Patriots’ current interior defensive line situation
After inking a historic four-year contract in free agency last offseason, Milton Williams combined forces with Christian Barmore to form a formidable one-two punch along New England’s defensive line. While Williams remains locked into place after a strong season, there is perhaps a bigger long-term question with Barmore.
The 27-year-old, who had his legal case dropped, saw an additional $10 million become guaranteed on his contract this offseason that likely secures his place on this year’s roster. But Barmore, who managed a knee injury last season, has no guaranteed money remaining on his deal past this season.
Behind the top duo, Cory Durden was one of New England’s best finds last season as he played a key rotational role up front and impressed in the process. Leonard Taylor III also flashed as a late-season add while the last year’s fourth-round pick Joshua Farmer will rejoin the rotation after ending the year on injured reserve. Eric Gregory and Jeremiah Pharms Jr. also remain on the depth chart after appearing in games last season.
Patriots NFL Draft fits along the interior defensive line
Kayden McDonald (Ohio State): A dominant run defender up front, McDonald led the FBS with 30 runs stops last season as he was a consensus All-American and the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year. Still just 21 years old and an early declare, McDonald has the makings of becoming an elite run stuffing nose tackle but does not provide much in terms of rushing the passer. The Patriots held him on a visit. | Consensus ranking: 31
Domonique Orange (Iowa State): “Big Citrus” is a big-time nose tackle who’s impact goes beyond the box score as his power and play strength allow him to dominate the point of attack and absorb doubles in the run game. His production was relatively quiet with just 0.5 TFL last season while his pass rush plan is limited relying on his bull rush. | Consensus ranking: 67
Kaleb Proctor (Southeastern Louisiana): An undersized defensive tackle, Proctor makes up for it with his athletic ability to shoot gaps and win upfield. His production increased each season — ending with a career-year with 13 TFL and 9.0 sacks — but he did not face elite competition in the FCS. The tools and motor make him a strong gamble in a similar way Milton Williams was out of Louisiana Tech University. | Consensus ranking: 112
Dontay Corleone (Cincinnati): “The Godfather” is a stocky, space-eating defensive tackle at 6-foot, 340 pounds. His frame creates natural leverage while he was plenty of play strength at the nose tackle position. Corleone has an extensive medical history which included a battle with blood clots in 2024. | Consensus ranking: 128
Tim Keenan III (Alabama): After a productive 2024 season, Keenan missed the first three games last season after undergoing tightrope surgery in August and was not able to build upon his success after returning. He too is a stocky interior player with good strength as a run defender. A team captain at Alabama and favorite of Nick Saban, a team may bet on Keenan returning to his 2024 form a year removed from injury and receive good value. | Consensus ranking: 140
Nick Barrett (South Carolina): Barrett is a well-built defensive tackle who was very productive last season with 42 tackles and 6 TFL. His power in the run game is paired with some ability as a pass rusher due to his athleticism. Barrett was a team captain in his first full season as a starter in 2025 after spending four years in a rotational role. | Consensus ranking: 152
In addition to those players, Caleb Banks (Florida) and Christen Miller (Georgia) are fellow options atop the draft. Late-round depth pieces then include Bryson Eason (Tennessee) and DeMonte Capehart (Clemson) in addition to interior pass rushers such as Rayshaun Benny (Michigan), Zane Durant (Penn State), and Tyler Onyedim (Texas A&M).
