New England Patriots give Drake Maye a couple new weapons, and fill biggest needs in the latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft
The latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft gives the New England Patriots some impact defenders and offensive weapons.
While the 2025 season didn’t end up quite the way that the New England Patriots and head coach Mike Vrabel would have liked, it was still an outstanding year one under the new regime. This is an organization in a very good place, and now they need one huge offseason to take this team over the top and win a Super Bowl. Free agency is on everyone’s mind, but the 2026 NFL Draft will also give them the ability to add impact talent to the roster.
In my latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft, the Patriots were able to land some impact talent for their defense. The draft also gifted them a couple of interesting weapons for quarterback Drake Maye. It ended up being an outstanding haul of new talent.
Round 1, Pick 31: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
While Howell is an outlier in terms of size and arm length, there is no question that he can get after the quarterback. That is an area that the Patriots need to continue to invest in. At this point in the first round, selecting a one-trick pony isn’t a big deal when that trick is so important.
Round 2, Pick 63: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
The former Georgia and USC pass catcher is dynamic with the football in his hands. When you get him in space, his combination of speed, explosiveness, and quickness makes him almost impossible to stop in 1-on-1 situations.
Round 3, Pick 95: Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State
Long and rangy on the back end, Wheatley has become a very underrated safety in the 2026 class. Wheatley could bring some much-needed impact in coverage for the Patriots’ defense.
Round 4, Pick 125: Jalen Farmer, OG, Kentucky
In terms of physicality, you won’t find many more powerful guards in the 2026 class than Farmer. There is some upside as a starter, especially in a power run scheme, where Farmer’s traits can flash most.
Round 4, Pick 131: Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati
At around 340 pounds, Corleone is almost impossible to move at the point of attack. Even if he never develops as much of a pass rushing threat, Corleone has an easy floor as an early down run defender.
Round 5, Pick 170: Keagen Trost, OL, Missouri
After playing right tackle for Missouri this past year, Trost is expected to transition to the interior. He has some heavy hands, while also possessing a solid overall profile to become a good swing option inside.
Round 6, Pick 191: Eli Heidenreich, WR, Navy
The NFL is a bit split on Heidenreich in terms of being a wide receiver or running back on the next level. For me, he looks like an intriguing wide receiver option with some upside to work with.
Round 6, Pick 202: Will Kacmarek, TE, Ohio State
Nobody is going to be blown away by Kacmarek as a pass catcher, lacking the physical traits to become a major asset through the air. He makes his money as a blocker and could very well be the best run blocker of any tight end in the 2026 class.
Round 6, Pick 209: Andre Fuller, CB, Toledo
An underrated member of a very talented Toledo defense, Fuller has some intriguing physical tools to develop. He is a long cornerback with experience in both press man and zone coverage, which makes him more available.
Round 6, Pick 212: George Gumbs Jr., EDGE, Florida
A twitchy pass rusher, Gumbs didn’t quite take the step in 2025 that most expected. The former Northern Illinois transfer has some intriguing upside to get after the quarterback.
Round 7, Pick 246: Jackson Kuwatch, LB, Miami (OH)
The former Ohio State walk-on is an extremely interesting athlete at the linebacker position. He should have a strong chance to stick as a special teamer as his overall game continues to develop.
New England Patriots News
Super Bowl LX loss will be blamed on Drake Maye, but it’s more of an indictment on the construction of the Patriots’ roster
Let’s not blame the Super Bowl loss entirely on Drake Maye.