New England Patriots hand Drake Maye new weapons, find an answer for most pressing question in latest 7-round mock draft

The New England Patriots invest heavily into the defense and got quarterback Drake Maye some added weapons in the latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft.

Ryan Roberts — National College Football Writer
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Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Missouri defensive lineman Zion Young (DL63) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The New England Patriots were one step away from winning a Super Bowl last season, which only adds to the pressure for head coach Mike Vrabel and the staff going into 2026. This is a talented roster that is a couple of players away from getting over that last big hump. 

In order for them to do just that, the 2026 NFL Draft offers an opportunity to add some much-needed talent at the most pressing positions. In my latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft, the Patriots eyed adding impact talent to their defense. From there, it was about giving quarterback Drake Maye even more talent. 

With the team holding 11 total selections, there are a lot of opportunities to put this team over the top. They accomplished that in this mock exercise. 

Round 1, Pick 31: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri

At around 6-6 and 262 pounds, Young is a bigger defensive end with notable twitch. Even if he never turns into one of the best pass rushers in the NFL, Young’s impact in the run game brings a strong floor to work with.

Round 2, Pick 63: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson

Williams has become one of the more underrated wide receivers in the 2026 class. When he was healthy at Clemson, Williams has been a consistent pass game weapon with a good feel for space and athleticism working from the slot.

Round 3, Pick 95: Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LB, TCU

You’d be hard-pressed to find many rangier linebackers in the 2026 class. If Elarms-Orr can become a more consistent processor then he has the chance to become a legitimate starter on the NFL level.

Round 4, Pick 125: Dallen Bentley, TE, Utah

Going into the 2025 season, nobody knew who Bentley was, at least not nationally. His combination of movement skills, receiving upside, and a denser frame reminds me of Vance McDonald.

Round 4, Pick 131: Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State

Don’t let his forty-yard dash time fool you, Wheatley is one of the rangier safeties in the 2026 class. He possesses the ability to make plays from the depth, as well as working downhill.

Round 5, Pick 171: Nadame Tucker, EDGE, Western Michigan

With Tucker being severely undersized, he is never going to be an asset against the run. He can, however, get after the quarterback, which matters quite a bit in the modern NFL.

Round 6, Pick 191: Kaleb Proctor, DT, SE Louisiana

While Proctor is undersized, his first step and slipperiness working from the interior are notable. He will provide the ability to get after the quarterback, at the very least, but potentially more.

Round 6, Pick 198: Eric Rivers, WR, Georgia Tech

The former FIU transfer has one thing that the NFL always gravitates toward: Speed. He’s a smaller wide receiver, which will limit him a bit, but that ability to create an occasional chunk play will offer him a role.

Round 6, Pick 202: Eli Heidenreich, RB/WR, Navy

Heidenreich is a gadget player who has some upside at both wide receiver and running back. If he makes a team, it’s going to be because of that versatility and potential impact on special teams.

Round 6, Pick 212: Travis Burke, OT, Memphis

Due to a strong process, Burke has grabbed the attention of a lot more scouts and decision makers over the last few months. At nearly 6-9 and 325 pounds, Burke is a long athlete with solid overall movement skills.

Round 7, Pick 247: Nolan Rucci, OT, Penn State

Rucci was originally a five-star recruit who wasn’t able to make his mark with the Wisconsin Badgers. While he never lived up to his billing, Rucci still has some developmental upside due to his size, length, and smoothness.