What are our biggest needs in the 2026 Draft

[Hugepatsfan]

Revised needs:

1. A violent RT
2. A violent EDGE rusher
3. A violent X WR
4. A violent TE
5. A violent S3
6. A violent LB
7. A violent swing tackle
8. A violent outside CB
9. A violent RB3
10. A violent IOL with starting RG potential
11. A violent quick slot receiver
12. A violent DT

I sense a comment theme, but I can't quite put my finger on it.

I would contend that maybe a LEFT guard makes more sense than a RIGHT guard. Onwenu really is a RG only, while AVT has played both sides (actually more RG time recently than LG so he's moving positions as things stand now). Let's say you draft a RG with starting potential... he can step in for Onwenu if he goes down but what about if AVT at LG? Ben Brown is a capable backup at LG so it's not do or die exactly. But if you draft a LG only player then that guy can still be de facto backup at both spots, while a RG only player would only be a backup to one.

I kind of anticipate them letting Onwenu walk after the season anyway so long term there's a need for a RG IMO. I also anticipate this is Moses last year. Ideally, they'd draft starting caliber players ready to step in next year for both IMO. It miiiiiight make sense to move AVT back to RG though to start next to the first-time starting RT and let the new Guard slot in on the left side between Campbell and Wilson who will be 3rd year starter by then. So I kind of almost prefer a LG to a RG.

 

[captain stone]

From that list:

- Wilson moving to C picks up Bradbury's snaps, AVT picks up Wilson's at LG

Improved at LG; unknown at Center...

- Doubs picks up Diggs' snaps

- Hill + Gilliam pick up Hooper's snaps

While possessing None of Hooper's pass-catching acumen. There better be a TE coming to us in the draft who can actually, you know, do that,

- Byard picks up Hawkins snaps

- Jones picks up Chaisson'ssnaps plus, some of Jennings

DairyQueen's game is gonna more closely resemble Jennings' game than Chiasson's.

'- Farmer/Durden will hopefully pick up Tonga's, unless a NT is signed/drafted

Only if they gain, like, 30 pounds... Each...

- No idea about Gibbens

Jack Kelly in the draft maybe...

 

[captain stone]

I would add Darden to Willaims/Barmore. I believe that after Tonga came back Durden was at least ass good.

I wouldn't.

Where's the Beef?

 

[captain stone]

I would contend that maybe a LEFT guard makes more sense than a RIGHT guard. Onwenu really is a RG only, while AVT has played both sides (actually more RG time recently than LG so he's moving positions as things stand now). Let's say you draft a RG with starting potential... he can step in for Onwenu if he goes down but what about if AVT at LG? Ben Brown is a capable backup at LG so it's not do or die exactly. But if you draft a LG only player then that guy can still be de facto backup at both spots, while a RG only player would only be a backup to one.

I kind of anticipate them letting Onwenu walk after the season anyway so long term there's a need for a RG IMO. I also anticipate this is Moses last year. Ideally, they'd draft starting caliber players ready to step in next year for both IMO. It miiiiiight make sense to move AVT back to RG though to start next to the first-time starting RT and let the new Guard slot in on the left side between Campbell and Wilson who will be 3rd year starter by then. So I kind of almost prefer a LG to a RG.

Right Guard should, on average, be the Cheapest position along the OL to budget-for. And starting-caliber ones can be acquired throughout Day 3 of the draft, as UDFAs, and on the street. I'm going to **** a chicken if they draft yet another ****ing Guard inside the top-150; and Especially if one's taken before an Offensive Tackle is...

 

[captain stone]

The (still) too long list of needs.

However these needs are filled, the list is still too long for my taste.

Needs in 2027

Starting RT
Starting TE 1
LB 1, 2 and 3
EDGE 2/3 at least
Possibly CB 2
Possibly DT 2
Starting RG
Safety 2
X WR

Some of the above can be solved by how we address the below.

Immediate Needs

EDGE 3 at least.
Backup LT
Backup RT
Backup TE
X WR possibly (we can get by as it stands but could upgrade)
RB 3/4
Backup/developmental RG
LB 3
Coverage LB
NT?
Backup CBx2
Nickel Safety possibly (developmental safety otherwise).

I'm uncomfortable with how long this list still is.

Very uncomfortable.

I really wish we'd added some low-cost depth/value pieces in FA. I understand skipping the feeding frenzy day 1, but there were some young, athletic guys available day 2-3:

EDGE: Re-sign Chaisson, Sam Williams
LB: Leo Chenal Leo Chenal, Leo Chenal
S: Nick Cross
CB: Nahshon Wright, Riq Woolen

The Commanders got Chaisson for $12M, Chenal for 3 years/$24.75M, and Cross for 2 years/$13M. The Jets got Wright for 1cyear, up to $5.5M. All affordable. Imagine how our draft situation would be if we had:

EDGE: Harold Landry, Dre'Mont Jones, K'Lavon Chaisson, Elijah Ponder, Bradyn Swinson, Jesse Lukuta

LB: Robert Spillane, Leo Chenal, Christian Ellis, Chad Muma/Marte Mapu/KJ Britt

S: Craig Woodson Kevin Byard, Nick Cross, Dell Pettus/Mike Brown

CB: Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, Marcus Jones, Nahshon Wright , Charles Woods, Marcellus Dial/Kobe Minor

What a difference even a few of those would have made.

Amen.

Frustrating, isn't it?

Similar feeling to the one at last year's trade deadline... Didn't get it then; don't get it now.

 

[Water Boy]

Barth and Lazar had a good discussion on the draft this week. Assuming our priority needs are (we can debate the order):

RT
Edge
TE
LB
Box S/big slot
Boundary CB
NT
3rd RB
IOL

(Yes I'm assuming an AJB trade)

There's just too many positions to fill to think we can draft a single player at each position that will have the talent and upside to make the 53. Some positions are going to fall through the cracks.

It's going to make for an interesting draft.

 

[manxman2601]

Barth and Lazar had a good discussion on the draft this week. Assuming our priority needs are (we can debate the order):

RT
Edge
TE
LB
Box S/big slot
Boundary CB
NT
3rd RB
IOL

(Yes I'm assuming an AJB trade)

There's just too many positions to fill to think we can draft a single player at each position that will have the talent and upside to make the 53. Some positions are going to fall through the cracks.

It's going to make for an interesting draft.

I've just been stacking our pre-draft contacts by where they're likely to be drafted just to get an idea of where we might be targeting different positions (or how we're valuing different positions) and applying it to your list:

RT - Very unclear. Little interest in round one but I still think it's possible. I could see us being interested in Miller and Iheanachor. I think 3rd to 4th round is more likely.

Edge - round one/round two. The clearest picture of all positions.

TE - Day 2-3

LB - Almost no interest in a drafted LB save one (Jimmy Rolder). Very late day 3 or UDFA

Box S/big slot - Round 2

Boundary CB - Zero interest so far. UDFA only, maybe late day 3

NT - Aside from Kayden Mcdonald, zero interest. There's more interest in an athletic 3-tech in the 3rd-5th round range.

3rd RB - Not a lot of interest. Some day 3/UDFA

IOL - Day 2-3

However, bear in mind it's still early for visits and pro day news.

 

[mayoclinic]

Ranking 11 position groups in 2026 NFL Draft from strongest to weakest: Edge rusher, linebacker loaded

 

[mayoclinic]

I personally don't agree with this, bit FWIW, Lucky Brooks' rankings of positions in terms of relative team value:

Redirect Notice

 

[manxman2601]

In light of the Vrabel/Iheanachor work out, I agree it's now more likely we go RT in the first. Not a given, but much more likely.

The problem for me then becomes 'the run'. Specifically on round 2 edges. Being at the bottom of the 2nd, any significant run on edges in round 2 could be devastating. I wasn't around in '24 but isn't that what happened with Caeden Wallace?

If we do take Iheanachor at 31, there is still a big hole to fill at EDGE. Waiting for someone to drop is a massive risk.

 

[mayoclinic]

Nothing is a given.

EDGE is definitely a need. If we go OT at 31, we may have to prioritize it over other areas, which may mean trading up or reaching a little (hopefully not a lot).

I see 5 EDGE players going before 31:

- Arvell Reese
- David Bailey
- Rueben Bain
- Akheem Mesidor
- Keldric Faulk

After that I see 12 guys who could/should be available at 31 and who are all likely top-100 picks:

- Zion Young
- Malachi Lawrence
- TJ Parker
- Gabe Jacas
- Dani Dennis-Sutton
- Derrick Moore
- Keyron Crawford
- Jonathan Joseph
- Cashius Howell
- R Mason Thomas
- Romello Height
- Jaishawn Barham

A few of those could go before 31. There is none who I would personally take over Iheanachor/Miller at 31, if either lasts.

I think getting one of those guys day 2 is much easier than finding a tackle.

There are also trade options available (Jonathan Greenard, Kayvon Thibodeaux) which would not break the bank, and short-term veteran stop-gaps still on the market (Joey Bosa, Jadeveon Clowney).

 

[DoubleDeluxe]

Nothing is a given.

EDGE is definitely a need. If we go OT at 31, we may have to prioritize it over other areas, which may mean trading up or reaching a little (hopefully not a lot).

I see 5 EDGE players going before 31:

- Arvell Reese
- David Bailey
- Rueben Bain
- Akheem Mesidor
- Keldric Faulk

After that I see 12 guys who could/should be available at 31 and who are all likely top-100 picks:

- Zion Young
- Malachi Lawrence
- TJ Parker
- Gabe Jacas
- Dani Dennis-Sutton
- Derrick Moore
- Keyron Crawford
- Jonathan Joseph
- Cashius Howell
- R Mason Thomas
- Romello Height
- Jaishawn Barham

A few of those could go before 31. There is none who I would personally take over Iheanachor/Miller at 31, if either lasts.

I think getting one of those guys day 2 is much easier than finding a tackle.

There are also trade options available (Jonathan Greenard, Kayvon Thibodeaux) which would not break the bank, and short-term veteran stop-gaps still on the market (Joey Bosa, Jadeveon Clowney).

I agree with this....in theory.
As pointed out previously, perhaps Vrabs and Co have identified RTs they believe that will be good starters after a year of seasoning behind Moses. We can use Burke as an example, but there could be many more that we aren't tracking that our Staff have on their radar.
This is always the tricky part, how does our Staff have guys ranked compared to the common info found, and the work we've done on our own?
These guys spend 100s, collectively thousands of hours scouting players, scouting our own team and needs. They did a great job last year in the draft, so I will put my trust in them to choose wisely.

 

[mayoclinic]

I am happy going EDGE at 31 if a player if value slips. My personal preference is probably still Iheanachor/Miller if they are available, but I can see the EDGE argument.

The problem is, other than Mesidor I don't see any options, and I really doubt he will drop. Keldric Faulk is tantalizing, but so was Shemar Stewart, and he will also probably be gone.

I think we can get an EDGE day 2, trade for one, or sign a stop-gap. It may not be ideal, but I don't see ideal options at 31.

There is no guarantee that a rookie EDGE will do much his first year. A year ago Manx was pounding the table for Bradyn Swinson, who ended up on the PS. He was also starting threads about the case for Mike Green at #4. Green plummeted to #59 due to character concerns, but was widely considered a 1st round talent. He had a 6.46 grade from Lance Zierlein. He produced 17 tackles and 3.5 sacks as a rookie, about the same as Pays UDFA EDGE Elijah Ponder (14 tackles, 4 sacks).

A year ago I had Jalon Walker graded above Will Campbell, and was arguing for him at #4. Zierlein had a 6.45 grade on him (6.44 on Campbell). I think Walker will be hoid, but his 24 tackles and 5.5 sacks (the same number JJ Watt had as a rookie) were not season-changing. "Generational" talent Abdul Carter (7.00 grade from Zierlein) had 25 tackles and 4 sacks. Mykel Williams (#11 overall, 6.47 grade from Zierlein) had 20 tackles and 1 sack.

EDGE is a major need, but I think it is a fallacy both to say our season is over before it starts if we don't take an EDGE at 31, or that a rookie 1st round EDGE will necessarily make an immediate impact.

 

[DoubleDeluxe]

I am happy going EDGE at 31 if a player if value slips. My personal preference is probably still Iheanachor/Miller if they are available, but I can see the EDGE argument.

The problem is, other than Mesidor I don't see any options, and I really doubt he will drop. Keldric Faulk is tantalizing, but so was Shemar Stewart, and he will also probably be gone.

I think we can get an EDGE day 2, trade for one, or sugn a stop-gap. It may not be ideal, but I don't see ideal options at 31.

There is no guarantee that a rookie EDGE will do much his first year. A year ago Manx was pounding the table for Bradyn Swinson, who ended up on the PS. He was also starting threads about the case for Mike Green at #4. Green plummeted to #59 due to character concerns, but was widely considered a 1st round talent. He had a 6.46 grade from Lance Zierlein. He produced 17 tackles and 3.5 sacks as a rookie, about the same as Pays UDFA EDGE Elijah Ponder (14 tackles, 4 sacks).

A year ago I had Jalon Walker graded above Will Campbell, and was arguing for him at #4. Zierlein had a 6.45 grade on him (6.44 on Campbell). I think Walker will be hoid, but his 24 tackles and 5.5 sacks (the same number JJ Watt had as a rookie) were not season-changing. "Generational" talent Abdul Carter (7.00 grade from Zierlein) had 25 tackles and 4 sacks. Mykel Williams (#11 overall, 6.47 grade from Zierlein) had 20 tackles and 1 sack.

EDGE is a major need, but I think it is a fallacy both to say our season is over before it starts if we don't take an EDGE at 31, or that a rookie 1st round EDGE will necessarily make an immediate impact.

I am a firm believer in value, never reach.
I have no problem not taking an Edge at 31 if the value is not there, but do feel we need to have drafted 1 by the end of the 2nd.

 

[mayoclinic]

Almost every mock I have done has had us taking EDGE in the first 2 rounds, which means missing out on some really good players at other positions - Caleb Banks, Treydan Stukes, Jake Golday, Chris Bell, Ted Hurst, Jacob Rodriguez. In the others, EDGE has been taken round 3.

As if today, I believe would could trade #95 for Jonathan Greenard or Kayvon Thibodeaux, who would probably be more immediately productive than a rookie EDGE.

I agree EDGE needs to be addressed through this draft.

I believe it can.

 

[manxman2601]

I think this choice between RT and EDGE in the first will give us good insight into this new administration's draft philosophy.

If they go EDGE over RT, they're going to appear as more short term needs based drafters.

If they go Miller over Iheanachor or Parker/Jacas over Lawrence then it will give the impression that higher floors are more important than higher ceilings. The same is true in reverse.

If they draft Iheanachor, they're likely BPA drafters in terms of ceiling.

If they draft Iheanachor and then trade up in round 2 for an EDGE we can glean that they are prepared to be aggressive.

It will be interesting.

 

[dliverey44]

In light of the Vrabel/Iheanachor work out, I agree it's now more likely we go RT in the first. Not a given, but much more likely.

The problem for me then becomes 'the run'. Specifically on round 2 edges. Being at the bottom of the 2nd, any significant run on edges in round 2 could be devastating. I wasn't around in '24 but isn't that what happened with Caeden Wallace?

If we do take Iheanachor at 31, there is still a big hole to fill at EDGE. Waiting for someone to drop is a massive risk.

We are assuming the Vrabel liked what he saw. Lineanchor, yes Lineanchor is his name to me forever. As far as we know he did not work with any other OT prospects like that, so my question is was it just an opportunity of convenience since he was in Arizona anyway or did he seek out the opportunity?

I see an array of ways for the Pats to improve this team, so I currently do not have a position favorite pick at each pick. There are guys that I would love on the team: Jacas, Hurst and Van den Berg,

 

[bakes781]

I am happy going EDGE at 31 if a player if value slips. My personal preference is probably still Iheanachor/Miller if they are available, but I can see the EDGE argument.

The problem is, other than Mesidor I don't see any options, and I really doubt he will drop. Keldric Faulk is tantalizing, but so was Shemar Stewart, and he will also probably be gone.

I think we can get an EDGE day 2, trade for one, or sign a stop-gap. It may not be ideal, but I don't see ideal options at 31.

There is no guarantee that a rookie EDGE will do much his first year. A year ago Manx was pounding the table for Bradyn Swinson, who ended up on the PS. He was also starting threads about the case for Mike Green at #4. Green plummeted to #59 due to character concerns, but was widely considered a 1st round talent. He had a 6.46 grade from Lance Zierlein. He produced 17 tackles and 3.5 sacks as a rookie, about the same as Pays UDFA EDGE Elijah Ponder (14 tackles, 4 sacks).

A year ago I had Jalon Walker graded above Will Campbell, and was arguing for him at #4. Zierlein had a 6.45 grade on him (6.44 on Campbell). I think Walker will be hoid, but his 24 tackles and 5.5 sacks (the same number JJ Watt had as a rookie) were not season-changing. "Generational" talent Abdul Carter (7.00 grade from Zierlein) had 25 tackles and 4 sacks. Mykel Williams (#11 overall, 6.47 grade from Zierlein) had 20 tackles and 1 sack.

EDGE is a major need, but I think it is a fallacy both to say our season is over before it starts if we don't take an EDGE at 31, or that a rookie 1st round EDGE will necessarily make an immediate impact.

I was the one "pounding the table" for Green lol but I also liked Ponder

 

[manxman2601]

 

[manxman2601]

You always hope to glean something from these pre-draft interviews and they always disappoint. Thanks fo laying down all the possible outcomes Mike.