The New England Patriots have had an eventful start to free agency, taking steps to help keep the team in title contention, but they are searching for a handful of missing pieces to truly elevate their roster heading into next season. The 2026 NFL Draft offers a good opportunity to do just that.

With some strong additions in Romeo Doubs, Alijah Vera-Tucker, and Dre’Mont Jones, the Patriots have shored up their biggest weak spots of last season, and can now attack the draft their way.

New England Patriots 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft

Round 1, Pick 31: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma

Harold Landry and Dre’Mont Jones are strong floor rushers, but the Patriots could use some more juice in their pass rush room to really threaten opposing offenses here and keep their pass rush fresh. Thomas is an explosive, bendy rusher with the elite competitive toughness that Mike Vrabel will covet.

Round 2, Pick 62: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee

Romeo Doubs is a strong option at Z, but I’d like New England to add competition opposite of him at X. Brazzell is a high-upside height/weight/speed receiver who is further ahead technically than several other Tennessee receivers. However, his concerns at the catch point are worrisome for his size, and he still needs seasoning as a route runner.

If he can hit in New England, there’s a similar developmental upside to Nico Collins.

Round 3, Pick 95: Justin Joly, TE, NC State

Hunter Henry is dependable, and Justin Hill boosts New England’s run blocking, but they need another receiving threat here if they want to expand their heavy personnel usage.

Joly is a strong receiver who can impact all three levels of the field with smooth route running and strong hands. He’s not a true in-line option right now, but he can be a highly-effective move tight end early on in his career.

Round 4, Pick 125: Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia

Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis are as lockdown a duo as they come in the NFL, but the depth behind both is razor thin. I would be surprised if that held true by the time the draft rolls around, but the Patriots would be wise to invest in a talented crop of corners.

Everette is a smooth, gifted athlete who can play inside and outside, and he has the traits to stick in man coverage, but has struggled with discipline. He could be a solid developmental option to fill out their cornerback room.

Round 4, Pick 131: Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State

After the departure of Vederian Lowe, the Patriots need a developmental swing tackle behind Will Campbell and Morgan Moses.

This tackle class drops off in a hurry, but Shelton is one of the toolsier lineman in this class and has the ability to play either tackle spot. He has the range and athleticism to protect the edge and thrive in a zone blocking scheme, but his below-average play strength and fundamentals do him in as a prospect. There’s some intriguing upside as a developmental starter or swing tackle here.

Round 5, Pick 171: Lander Barton, LB, Utah

I am fairly surprised the Patriots let Jack Gibbens walk, but I won’t be surprised if they select his replacement here in the middle rounds of the draft.

Barton feels like a Patriots’ linebacker with his range and physicality on the back end. There’s some intriguing developmental upside for him at linebacker, and I trust New England’s staff to get the most out if him.

Round 6, Pick 191: Jackie Marshall, DT, Baylor

I think New England should add more to their interior rush to help keep Milton Williams and Christian Barmore fresh. 

Marshall is a springy, gap shooting defensive tackle with some intriguing quickness and change of direction ability. He’s still fairly raw, but he’s capable of handling multiple roles on a defensive line and can add some more juice to their pass rush inside.

Round 6, Pick 198: Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati

Let’s double dip here at defensive tackle, this time adding a run defender to their front to help replace Khyiris Tonga.

Corleone is a classic throwback nose tackle who anchors up front extremely well, but won’t offer much as a pass rusher. Corleone can help rotate on early downs to help shore up New England’s run defense.

Round 6, Pick 202: Adam Randall, RB, Clemson

New England’s starting tandem in the backfield is set, but I’d like to see them fill out their stable of backs. Randall feels like a throwback to Rex Burkhead as a big-bodied receiving style of running back. He’ll have to prove his ability on special teams and improve his pass protection to really stick, but this is a perfect situation for him to do so.

Round 6, Pick 212: J. Michael Sturdivant, WR, Florida

Double-dipping into height-weight-speed wide receivers, Sturdivant is an intriguing vertical threat and made several highlight reel plays working along the sideline throughout his career. He is an older prospect, but he should add another contributor to New England’s rotation.

Round 7, Pick 247: Mason Reiger, EDGE, Wisconsin

New England at this point is taking dart throws, and Reiger could be an intriguing one. He stood out at the East-West Shrine Bowl as one of the best pass rushers there, but his deep injury history is a major concern.

Still, the Patriots have the depth to take a swing on a talented upside option who could fill out the bottom of their pass rush rotation.

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The story’s not over yet.

Evan Winter