New England Patriots continues to gift Drake Maye more weapons, adds versatile defenders in latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft

Latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft gives the New England Patriots more weapons for QB Drake Maye.

Ryan Roberts — National College Football Writer
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Oct 25, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver KC Concepcion (7) returns a punt for a touchdown during the second half against the Louisiana State Tigers at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The New England Patriots are in the middle of a tremendous 2025 NFL season. Head coach Mike Vrabel has quickly transformed the fortunes of this organization, and the arrow is definitely pointing up right now. Star quarterback Drake Maye also looks like he is on his way to being one of the top signal callers in the league, so the future appears to be very bright.

For this team to continue trending upward, they must consistently replenish this roster with really good football players. The 2026 NFL Draft will offer the opportunity to do just that. The top priority was continuing to add talent around Maye and injecting the defense with versatile talent.

Patriots 7-round mock draft

Round 1, Pick 28: Kevin Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M 

Kevin Concepcion was a very good player for NC State previously, but he has been stellar for the Aggies. “KC” makes his living as a quick-separating slot receiver who can also make some big plays after the catch. That’s exactly what Maye needs more of. 

Round 2, Pick 60: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo 

A bigger safety at over 6-2 and 209 pounds, McNeil-Warren fits the mold of versatile defenders that the Patriots typically love. While some will label him as a box safety, McNeil-Warren has the coverage upside to do a lot for a defense. 

Round 3, Pick 92: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois 

Heavy-handed and physical, Jacas has been a valuable member of the Illinois defensive line forever. While his pass rush upside might not be anything special, he projects as a valuable member of a room and a pristine run defender. 

Round 4, Pick 122: Fa’alili Fa’amoe, OT, Wake Forest 

Fa’amoe has played a lot of football at right tackle for both Washington State and Wake Forest after transitioning from the defensive line. There is also some legitimate upside inside at guard on the next level, if that’s the route the Patriots wanted to go. 

Round 4, Pick 128: D’angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana 

While he’s small, Ponds is a tenacious cover man who never backs down from a challenge. The nickel might be his best stop on the next level, but he’s smart enough to play a little on the outside in a pinch as well. 

Round 5, Pick 168: Lander Barton, LB, Utah 

A bigger linebacker at around 6-4 and 240 pounds, Barton has the range and length to do a lot of things for a defense. Barton brings a throwback body type and style, but with some modern range. 

Round 6, Pick 195: Eli Raridon, TE, Notre Dame 

A massive athlete at 6-7 and 255 pounds, the only thing that has held back Rardion in his career has been durability. If healthy, he is a fun developmental pass catcher at tight end. 

Round 6, Pick 196: Skyler Bell, WR, UConn

There isn’t anything flashy about Bell athletically, but all he does is get open and make plays. He should, at worst, provide some solid depth to a room and bring dependability. 

Round 6, Pick 197: Ar’maj Reed-Adams, OG, Texas A&M 

When you look at Reed-Adams, you’d probably assume he was a mauling presence at around 6-4 and 340 pounds. He just doesn’t bring consistent tenacity, but that size brings a solid floor to stick on a roster. 

Round 6, Pick 206: Le’Veon Moss, RB, Texas A&M 

Moss is a very strange prospect to evaluate. He is an extremely smooth runner and has some of the better instincts and vision in the class. The Aggie star is also very physical, but durability remains the biggest concern. 

Round 7, Pick 242: Hero Kanu, DT, Texas 

The former Ohio State transfer hasn’t been super consistent for the Longhorns, but his flashes are extremely intriguing. Kanu has a really clean frame at around 6-5 and 300 pounds, and there is definitely some upside still there to work with.

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