New England Patriots give Drake Maye a new best friend, add versatile weapons to the defense in latest 2026 NFL mock draft

Latest 3-round 2026 NFL mock draft gives star quarterback Drake Maye a new safety blanket, and drastically improves the defense.

Ryan Roberts — National College Football Writer
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Nov 13, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) makes a pass during the first half against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

The New England Patriots are riding a ton of momentum under head coach Mike Vrabel, now sitting with a 9-2 overall record in his first season in charge. With the stability that Vrabel has created culturally in a very short amount of time, combined with the stellar play of second-year quarterback Drake Maye, there is a lot to be excited about concerning the future of the Patriots organization. This is also still a younger team that seems to have a runway to keep building for a championship.

To help the Patriots continue growing as an organization, this New England front office will need to continue adding impact talent to the roster each offseason. The 2026 NFL Draft offers quite an opportunity to continue improving the team. For a bit of fun, here is a three-round mock draft that would fit a couple of the biggest needs on the roster. I even included some potential Day Three targets to add a little more context and introduce some talented players who could fit the Patriots.

Round 1, Pick 28: Makai Lemon, WR, USC

From a physical perspective, Lemon isn’t the most impressive player at 5-11 and 195 pounds. His all-around game, however, offers a ton of upside to an NFL offense. Lemon’s game is predicated on winning as a route runner and after the catch, which he does at an extraordinary level. The USC star is also much better at the catch point than many would expect, as well. That versatility should provide Maye with a dynamic weapon out of the slot.

Round 2, Pick 60: Quincy Rhodes Jr., EDGE

A massive defensive end at around 6-6 and 275 pounds, Rhodes is just beginning to figure out just how good he can be. With his outstanding movement skills for his size, plus length, and developing plan, the Arkansas star is one of the biggest risers in the 2026 defensive line class. This is a player that will require a bit of patience, but the long-term upside is quite immense. If Rhodes does figure it out, he has clear upside as a starting player. The talent is all there.

Round 3, Pick 92: Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State 

Hidden on a really poor Penn State team, Wheatley has been playing good football all season for the Nittany Lions. He is one of the best coverage safeties in the 2026 class, excelling from depth with the talent to play some single high. Wheatley has also seen his impact in the run game increase over the last two seasons. This is an extremely long safety that brings a lot of upside to a prospective defensive coordinator. Wheatley won’t be underrated for much longer.

Potential Day 3 Patriot fits 

Here are some potential Day Three players who would make a lot of sense for the Patriots.

Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State 

Shelton didn’t have the season many had hoped for, but he still brings plenty of upside to work with. He is an incredibly smooth athlete, and if Shelton is able to add good core strength to his profile, there is a chance he eventually develops into a starter.

Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia 

Compared to some other tight ends in the 2026 class, Delp’s upside probably isn’t quite as high. He does, however, bring a very sound floor to the table with a strong frame, good overall athleticism, and blocking upside.

Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame 

The Patriots don’t have a ton of size at wide receiver right now, something that Fields very much brings to the table. While he isn’t a dynamic athlete, the former Virginia transfer possesses enough movement skills to fill an important role. 

Lander Barton, LB, Utah 

Barton has the look of an old-school linebacker with modern range. His combination of size, length, physicality, and movement skills would make him an intriguing piece for a linebacker room.