New England Patriots give Drake Maye more weapons, upgrade their defense after trade back in 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft
The latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft adds impact talent to the New England Patriots’ defense and Drake Maye some more weapons.
The New England Patriots are fresh off a tremendous 2025 NFL season that ended one game short of winning a Super Bowl. Head coach Mike Vrabel has this organization heading in a strong direction. They are one strong offseason away from potentially getting over that final hump.
The 2026 NFL Draft will offer the team that chance, having a ton of selections at the end of April. In my latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft, the exercise began with a fun trade back opportunity. From there, it was about giving Drake Maye more passing game weapons, on top of building up an improving defense.
The New England Patriots trade the No. 31 and a 2027 fourth round selection to the Denver Broncos for the No. 62, the No. 108, a 2027 second round, a 2027 third round, and a 2027 fifth round selection
Round 2, Pick 62: Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
At around 6-4 and 206 pounds, Hurst is a long and fast athlete with a ton of vertical ability. He is also a fluid athlete who has some nice route running upside down the road. That skill set would be a nice addition to the Patriots’ offense.
Round 2, Pick 63: Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan
Moore has been a very underrated defensive end in the 2026 class. While he isn’t the bendiest pass rusher in the group, Moore’s combination of explosiveness, power, and length should carve out an important role.
Round 3, Pick 95: Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor
While his Pro Day performance might convince you otherwise, Trigg is a dynamic athlete at the tight end position. You won’t get much impact as a blocker, but as a mismatch weapon, he has a ton of upside.
Round 4, Pick 108: Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LB, TCU
There may not be a more underrated linebacker in the 2026 class than Elarms-Orr. The former Cal transfer has outstanding speed and range on the second level, which is a perfect fit in the modern NFL.
Round 4, Pick 125: Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State
Wheatley didn’t test well in terms of his 40-yard dash time, but his range on the back end is very much there. He’s a bigger safety who presents a ton of upside for a prospective defensive coordinator.
Round 4, Pick 131: Fa’alili Fa’amoe, OT, Wake Forest
After beginning his career as a defensive tackle, Fa’amoe has played a lot of right tackle over the last several years with Wake Forest and Washington State. His physicality and grip strength might be an even better fit inside at guard, which gives the Patriots a nice swing option to develop.
Round 5, Pick 171: Eric McAlister, WR, Boise State
McAlister has several questions to answer this offseason, but talent isn’t one of the most pressing. He is an intriguing dart throw for a Patriots team that still needs to put more passing game weapons around quarterback Drake Maye.
Round 6, Pick 191: George Gumbs Jr., EDGE, Florida
The former Northern Illinois transfer is a talented pass rusher who didn’t quite take the leap most expected during the 2025 season. His first step and explosiveness, however, should be intriguing for a team to invest in.
Round 6, Pick 198: Rayshaun Benny, DT, Michigan
With a deep and talented Michigan defensive line room over the last couple of years, Benny has gotten lost in the shuffle a good bit. He is a talented mover on the interior of a defense, which offers some intriguing alignment versatility.
Round 6, Pick 202: Jadon Canady, CB, Oregon
In his stops with Oregon, Ole Miss, and Tulane, Canady has spent time both in the slot and at outside cornerback. The former fits his skill set best, having the quickness and tenacity to add quality depth in the nickel position.
Round 6, Pick 212: Travis Burke, OT, Memphis
At around 6-9 and 325 pounds, Burke is a massive offensive tackle who has the length and power to fight for a role as a swing tackle. There are some real deficiencies for Burke in terms of bend, which could hurt his upside to develop into a future starter.
Round 7, Pick 247: Jack Strand, QB, MSU Moorhead
While Maye is your franchise quarterback, you can always strengthen the room behind him. Strand is a big pocket passer with legitimate arm talent, which could give him a chance to unseat Tommy DeVito as the top backup.