Final New England Patriots 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft and UDFA projections opens the Patriots’ Super Bowl window even wider
With the 2026 NFL Draft finally upon us, one final mock draft for the New England Patriots could solve their biggest needs and add some intriguing UDFAs.
The 2026 NFL Draft is upon us, and the New England Patriots are hoping for another strong draft class like their 2025 crop. With 11 picks to work with, the Patriots have the ammo to own the draft if they so choose to.
For one last time on A to Z Sports’ Mock Draft Simulator, let’s run a New England Patriots 2026 mock draft. I tried to get the position right more so than player, as players are nearly impossible to predict as the draft goes on. Additionally, I also tacked on over 20 UDFA names to monitor at the end.
Let’s dive in.
Final New England Patriots 7-round 2026 NFL Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 31: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF
The New England Patriots kickstart this mock draft with what seems like their consensus top position group. Based on general manager Eliot Wolf’s recent conversations, the Patriots adding a pass rusher early seems like a foregone conclusion.
Unfortunately, New England is in a bit of a weird spot. There could be a huge run on pass rushers from pick No. 20 on downwards. I wouldn’t be surprised if they try to leapfrog a team like the 49ers to get someone like Cashius Howell. Instead, here they add another dynamite, bendy pass rusher in UCF’s Malachi Lawrence.
Round 2, Pick 63: Travis Burke, OT, Memphis
The Patriots need a developmental right tackle behind Morgan Moses to provide a long-term bookend for Will Campbell. This offensive tackle class is thin, so they should go early if they want one.
Burke is a physically imposing behemoth with some of the most enjoyable film in this class. His size gives him trouble against pure speed, but his play strength and technique can keep him steady in pass protection. He has the tools to be a good starter long-term at right tackle.
Round 3, Pick 86* (via ATL): Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia
Let’s get aggressive here. The Patriots need to keep adding pass catchers for Drake Maye. The Falcons need picks. See where I’m going with this? New England sends 95 and 131 to get it done.
Since the A.J. Brown trade seems all but done, let’s add a tight end instead of wide receiver here. New England wants to get into heavier personnel, and they need a heir to Hunter Henry. Oscar Delp can kill both birds with one stone.
Round 4, Pick 125: VJ Payne, S, Kansas State
The New England Patriots are pretty forward-thinking, and Eliot Wolf likes to gamble on traits on Day 3. I suspect they might want to copy the league trend for some “big nickel” reps. VJ Payne is a freak athlete with the versatility to handle a overhang role and hang with tight ends.
Round 5, Pick 150* (via NO): Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin
New England’s cornerback room is rail-thin behind Carlton Davis and Christian Gonzalez. There’s no sense in waiting around to bolster the room. The Patriots send picks #171 and #202 here to close the deal.
Demmings is one of the best small-school prospects in the draft, and could go much earlier than this. His natural athleticism and size make him a perfect fit in New England’s defense, and he could be Carlton Davis’s heir outside.
Round 6, Pick 191: Jaden Dugger, LB, Louisiana
Over the offseason, the Patriots have trimmed their linebacker room to just three effective options. I’m not overly confident in their current room, particularly in coverage.
Jaden Dugger is one of the toolsiest linebackers in this draft class. With his natural tools and safety background, he could be an impact subpackage option for the Patriots to bolster their depth.
Round 6, Pick 198: Jeremiah Wright, G, Auburn
The Patriots met with Jeremiah Wright ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. The hulking bruiser has started at both guard spots in his career. Given his natural size, strength, and intangibles, Wright has the developmental upside to be Mike Onwenu’s eventual replacement at right guard.
Round 6, Pick 212: Anterio Thompson, DT, Washington
I’ve been torn on going defensive tackle earlier than this pick, but this is an odd class up front, so the value hasn’t quite been there. However, New England does need to bolster their rotation if they want to make another Super Bowl run.
Anterio Thompson is an intriguing developmental stash option, given his good upfield burst and play strength. He could help fill in the gap in the rotation left behind by Khyiris Tonga’s departure.
Round 7, Pick 247: Quintayvious Hutchins, EDGE, Boston College
At this point, the Patriots are taking dart throws, and Hutchins could be a nice one. He’s quick, with enough juice and bend to turn the corner, but is small and undersized. His motor blends well to special teams, and he can be a solid addition to fill out their outside linebacker room.
New England had a full contingent at Boston College’s pro day as well, giving them a firsthand look at Hutchins.
UDFA Projections
The New England Patriots don’t have a lot of roster spots open for UDFAs, with 76 currently filled pre-draft. Even in this mock where they give up a few selections, they still won’t have much room. However, here are some potential options based on pre-draft meetings and Pro Day attendances.
- Jalon Daniels, QB, Kansas
- Behren Morton, QB, Texas Tech
- Lewis Bond, WR, Boston College
- Michael Wortham, WR, Montana
- John Michael Gyllenborg, TE, Wyoming
- Micah Pettus, OT, Florida State
- Jake Pope, OT, Illinois State
- Marvin Jones Jr., EDGE, Oklahoma
- Darryl Peterson, EDGE, Wisconsin
- Wesley Williams, EDGE, Duke
- Keeshawn Silver, DT, USC
- Khalil Jacobs, LB, Missouri
- Marsel McDuffie, LB, UNLV
- Ricardo Hallman, CB, Wisconsin
- Jeadyn Lukus, CB, Clemson
- DeVonta Smith, CB, Notre Dame
- Austin Brown, S, Wisconsin
- Justin Harrington, S, West Virginia
- Miles Scott, S, Illinois
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