New England Patriots find a defensive difference maker that HC Mike Vrabel is going to love in latest 2026 NFL mock draft 

The New England Patriots land dynamic defensive weapon

Ryan Roberts — National College Football Writer
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The Mike Vrabel return to the New England Patriots this offseason has created as much buzz with the program as we have seen since Bill Belichick left. With franchise quarterback Drake Maye now in place, and the new energy around Foxborough, it appears that the expectations for the Patriots are trending upward. Optimism is swirling around that building. 

With how poorly Coach Belichick and Coach Mayo left this Patriots roster, however, Vrabel was tasked with the difficult challenge of rebuilding the talent pool. In a recent 2026 NFL mock draft from Joe DeLeone and myself over at A to Z Sports, New England managed to find a huge value at pick No. 11 in the first round. With that selection, the Patriots took Ohio State All-American safety Caleb Downs. 

Here is what I wrote about Downs, and his potential fit with the Patriots. 

11. New England Patriots: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State 

The Patriots have always loved the physical safeties that can give a defense a numbers advantage in the box, including guys like Jabrill Peppers and Kyle Dugger. Downs is a different body type, but can do a lot of the same things. He is one of the better tacklers you will find from the safety position. There is a lot of Budda Baker in Downs’ game. – Roberts

Once considered a five-star player in the 2023 recruiting class coming out of Mill Creek in the state of Georgia, Downs has been an elite player since he first stepped on a college football field. He began his career with the Alabama Crimson Tide, playing for a year under legendary coach Nick Saban. Downs was tremendous in that freshman campaign, managing to collect 107 total tackles, two interceptions, four pass breakups, and four tackles for loss.

After Coach Saban retired, Downs opted to enter the Transfer Portal and ended up with the Buckeyes. The Georgia native put together another All-American level season in 2024 while helping Ohio State capture a national championship victory over Notre Dame. He ended last season with 82 total tackles, two interceptions, six pass breakups, and eight tackles for loss. Downs is arguably the best overall college football player returning in 2025.

On the current Patriots roster, they are projected to start Jabrill Peppers and Jaylinn Hawkins at safety. While Downs isn’t the rangiest player from depth, he excels playing the alleys and working near the box. His game is very reminiscent of current Arizona Cardinals star Budda Baker. His impact can be immense in the correct role.

The Patriots also managed to find a really impressive pass game weapon for Maye in the second round of the mock draft. They selected Louisville wide receiver Chris Bell. He is a massive wideout who gives New England a high upside receiving option to work with.