Who knows which direction the New England Patriots will go with their first pick? But they have 11 selections overall, along with high expectations and a possible eye on a trade. And here is the Patriots’ 2026 NFL Mock Draft for all of those picks.
Coming off a Super Bowl loss, the Patriots have their sights set on a return and a better finish. But draft success, or the lack thereof, may determine this year’s season fate.
Round 1, Pick 31: WR Denzel Boston, Washington
Many people seem to think the Patriots will make a trade for AJ Brown. But until that actually happens, the Patriots have to move forward with adding to their somewhat unimpressive wide receiver room. And Boston fits the mold as a guy who can be a boost, even in his rookie season.
Boston brings the type of things NFL teams desire on the outside, according to Pro Football Focus.
“For a bigger receiver, he moves exceptionally well, giving him success both on the outside and in occasional big-slot alignments,” Trevor Sikkema wrote. “He is quick with a variety of releases against press coverage and shows impressive route fluidity for his size — including multi-cut routes and double moves.
“With his frame comes the traits teams want to see. Boston boasts a large catch radius that he maximizes with strong hands and excellent hand-eye coordination. He also brings a yards-after-catch mentality and the ability to generate explosive plays.”
His blocking needs to improve to become the full picture as an NFL receiver. But the Patriots currently have Romeo Doubs as WR1. And if that was good enough, they wouldn’t be pursuing Brown. After Doubs, they have Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins listed as starters. And that’s not a good enough trio to be in the Super Bowl mix once again.
Round 2, Pick 63: LB Jake Golday, Cincinnati
The Patriots need a little more teeth in the middle of their run defense, and Golday could give them a chance to shore things up. Speed is the biggest thing Golday brings to the table, according to The Athletic.
“Golday was asked to operate in a ton of space in college (almost like a nickel defender), which helped showcase his gazelle-like speed to chase down the ball anywhere on the field,” Dane Brugler wrote. “Golday is still unrefined in several areas, but his size, speed, and ascending skill set are reasons to be encouraged. He projects as an immediate special teamer who can compete for defensive snaps during his rookie year.”
Round 3, Pick 95: OT Ed Overton, Alabama
With Morgan Moses getting up there in age (35), the Patriots could stand a little young boost at the tackle position. Overton offers the type of player who can become a starter down the road. Moses can take him under his wing and show him the ropes.
Impressive power gives Overton a higher ceiling, according to NFL.com.
“Overton is a slow-twitch end with impressive power and a consistently rugged demeanor,” Lance Zierlein wrote. “He has long arms and plays with the anchor/leverage that helps him secure his gap. However, he rarely gains early positional advantages and isn’t going to be a gap-shooter.
“He lacks range in pursuit and won’t threaten tackles to the corner with his get-off as an edge rusher. Overton’s play strength and leverage create power on the edge, but power won’t trump production.”
Round 4, Pick 125: EDGE Tyreak Sapp, Florida
This pick fits well with a need for the Patriots. Sapp won’t wow you with his pass-rush skills, but he brings an overall solidness to the position that can make a difference, according to NFL Draft Buzz.
“Despite lacking the elite bend and explosiveness that defines premier edge rushers, Sapp’s technical refinement and power at the point of attack make him an immediate contributor on early downs,” NFL Draft Buzz wrote. “His exceptional run defense jumps off the tape – shocking power from his hands and natural leverage consistently reset the line of scrimmage. When rushing the passer, athletic limitations become more apparent, relying more on power and timing than the quick-twitch traits coveted in high-end rushers.”
Round 4, Pick 131: TE Jake Endries, Texas
This is another guy who doesn’t jump off the page at you. But playing with Drake Maye could turn Endries into a guy who can produce consistently, according to NFL.com.
“Endries is a quarterback-friendly ‘F’ tight end who still needs time in the weight room,” Zierlein wrote. “His route-running can be monotonous and short-area separation uninspiring. But he’s tough, has a rebounder’s feel for boxing out defenders, and is a consistent ball-winner even when coverage is draped all over him. He builds speed and is tougher on man coverage when allowed to stretch his legs on longer routes.”
The run blocking definitely needs refinement for Endries.
Round 5, Pick 171: S Michael Taaffe, Texas
One thing that Taafe would add to the Patriots’ defense is leadership. He knows the position and knows the game, according to Bleacher Report.
“Taaffe is an excellent communicator in the defense pre- and post-snap,” Daniel Harms wrote. “He lines up his teammates, passes off routes, and handles motions with ease. He’s a leader on and off the field, and it shows.
“Smooth backpedal and change of direction athletic ability shows up every snap with his quarterback mirroring and handling of defensive rotations. He’s a well-studied player who excels at handling zone-matching concepts.”
Round 6, Pick 191: G Jaeden Roberts, Alabama
There’s work to be done for Roberts to make it in the NFL. But there is potential, according to NFL.com.
“Roberts is a powerful guard-only prospect with elite body composition, but technique that falls below the NFL mark,” Zierlein wrote. “He has legendary weight-room strength that will flash on tape, but he struggles to play under control and cleanly fit blocks.
“Roberts isn’t a bad athlete, but he lacks bend and body control that sees him end up off-balance too often in both phases.”
Round 6, Pick 198: DT Cole Brevard, Texas
The size is there, no doubt. He stands 6-3 and weighs 346 pounds. He’s a true interior body, according to Yahoo.com.
“His game is built around size, leverage, and occupying space rather than explosive penetration,” Mason Riney of Buccaneers Write wrote. “He aligns primarily inside, functioning best in shaded nose or head-up alignments where he can absorb contact and control interior gaps. He is not a dynamic pass rusher.”
Round 6, Pick 202: EDGE George Gumbs, Jr., Florida
Gumbs is a good-sized prospect who has gotten better later in his career, according to NFL.com.
“Gumbs’ attitude and work ethic have propelled him through multiple position changes (WR/TE/Edge) and a successful leap from Northern Illinois to Florida,” Zierlein wrote. “Everything he does as a run defender and pass rusher should improve with additional technique work.”
Round 6, Pick 212: OT Nolan Rucci, Penn State
Some think Rucci will slide through the draft. But the Patriots could take a shot. He’s a developmental project, according to NFL Draft Buzz.
“(His) physical tools remain tantalizing even as his athletic limitations have become clearer on film,” NFL Draft Buzz wrote. “That 6-foot-8 frame with legitimate length is exactly what offensive line coaches dream about, but the feet have not caught up to the body.”
Round 7, Pick 247: WR Kaden Wetjen, Iowa
Wetjen would probably settle in as a special teams player, according to NFL.com.
“Wetjen is a return specialist first and foremost,” Zierlein wrote. “He’s a threat to flip the field at any time as a punt returner. He eludes or breaks the first tackle try and maneuvers around opponents in the open field with great vision.”
The post Patriots’ 2026 NFL Mock Draft for all 11 picks appeared first on ClutchPoints.
