The difficulties In Hitting Our Two biggest Needs: EDGE and RT

manxman2601 · Mar 17, 2026

mgteich said:
I don't see how we pass on one of the top tackles unless one of our very top EDGE player slide to 31.

Obviously, we would like the OT (presumably a RT) to also be able to be a backup at RG or LT.
=========
BTW, are there any of the top 7 that you wouldn't take because they are only LT's?

Lomu is the obvious one. Has never played RT whereas Freeling has.

mayoclinic · Mar 17, 2026

mgteich said:
I don't see how we pass on one of the top tackles unless one of our very top EDGE players slide to 31.

For me, personally:

- Reese, Bailey, Bain, Faulk and Mesidor are EDGEs worthy taking at 31 without reaching.
- Freeling, Mauigoa, Iheanachor, Lomu and Miller are OTs worth taking at 31 without reaching. Probably Fano, though I think he projects better inside.

If any of those players is available at 31, I will be elated. If more than 1 are available, I can live with whatever the Pats choose, though I would prioritize OT in most cases.

If all of those players are off the board by 31 - which is quite possible - then I would look at whether a high level player slips (Banks, McCoy), or I would try to trade back.

As of right now, I would prefer not to be taking TJ Parker, Zion Young, Malachi Lawrence, or Kadyn Proctor at 31.

I definitely do not want Cashius Howell at 31.

manxman2601 · Mar 17, 2026

My issue with taking a RT at 31 is that you’re spending a first round pick on someone you hope doesn’t get a single snap all year. We’re not so good that we can afford to sit a first round draft pick.

mayoclinic · Mar 17, 2026

No one respects your opinion more than I do. We just disagree.

- I doubt that scenario will happen given Campbell's injury and Moses' age.
- The position is too important.
- The consequences would be disastrous.
- Long-term value trumps short-term gain.

I can understand taking an equivalent or higher graded EDGE over OT (e.g., Mesidor over Miller). I would not be a fan of reaching for an EDGE at 31 if a top OT is on the board (e.g., Lawrence or Young over Miller). Obviously, everyone has a slightly difference list of who they would consider a "reach" at 31.

gobesmug · Mar 17, 2026

mayoclinic said:
None of our opinions matter (except for Manx). But for me, the draft is primarily for long term development and stability. Immediate contribution is a plus, and hard to predict. The Pats got a ton of rookie contribution in 2025, but it's hard to count on that, especially drafting at 31 in each round.

Good point. I also think it was rookie play on the oline thay cost us the superbowl vs the Seahawks.

Specifically on the second drive when the Pats offense was getting into a rhythm and got into the Seahawks territory and had second and short.

Wilson made a critical rookie error when he hit Campbell's man free leading to a big sack that took the Pats out of FG range.

Cant help but feel had Wilson not done that the Pats score on that drive and then it becomes a completely different game for Drake.

DoubleDeluxe · Mar 17, 2026

mayoclinic said:
Obviously, everyone has a slightly difference list of who they would consider a "reach" at 31.

This is a very important point.
Every year we see lists of top 30, 50, 100.......
When many of them are similar we group think and accept them.
Now obv some of us do our own assessment, you more than most.
However, Vrabs and staff's list could look nothing like the consensus.
Maybe they have Howell ranked 15 overall, maybe they have Boston ranked inside the top 20, maybe they have Freeling at 40.....etc.
What we all consider a value or reach, could be way different than what our Front office staff thinks, I see it every year (with all teams).

Zuma · Mar 17, 2026

I'm no expert (at anything really)... I am starting to think that a potential starting Edge in 2026 can be had in rounds 2-3 with luck because their are so many quality ones in this draft. However a starting tackle (RT) for 2027 and beyond is probably only coming from rounds 1-2. Therefor I prefer an OT drafted in the 1st round.

DoubleDeluxe · Mar 17, 2026

Zuma said:
I'm no expert (at anything really)... I am starting to think that a potential starting Edge in 2026 can be had in rounds 2-3 with luck because their are so many quality ones in this draft. However a starting tackle (RT) for 2027 and beyond is probably only coming from rounds 1-2. Therefor I prefer an OT drafted in the 1st round.

Here's the real question.
Is Edge a bigger need than RT for 2026?
I think the answer is an obv yes.
Are we trying to compete for a SB in 2026, I say the answer is yes.
We should not reach for any position, but if there is an Edge available at 31 that the staff has ranked higher than the best RT, I think you need to go Edge.
It's not like the RT well dries up after the 2026 draft.
Don't get me wrong, we need both and you never draft for one year, but we do need to think of our 2026 roster too.

Zuma · Mar 17, 2026

DoubleDeluxe said:
Here's the real question.
Is Edge a bigger need than RT for 2026?
I think the answer is an obv yes.
Are we trying to compete for a SB in 2026, I say the answer is yes.
We should not reach for any position, but if there is an Edge available at 31 that the staff has ranked higher than the best RT, I think you need to go Edge.
It's not like the RT well dries up after the 2026 draft.
Don't get me wrong, we need both and you never draft for one year, but we do need to think of our 2026 roster too.

Their is also the argument that the SuperBowl was lost due to lack of better talent on the Offensive Line. It's always harder to get a good starting OT then a good starting DE. My mind will change a half a dozen times between now and the draft. It will be interesting to see what happens.

DoubleDeluxe · Mar 17, 2026

Zuma said:
Their is also the argument that the SuperBowl was lost due to lack of better talent on the Offensive Line. It's always harder to get a good starting OT then a good starting DE. My mind will change a half a dozen times between now and the draft. It will be interesting to see what happens.

Yes, our Oline was a key to the loss no doubt.
I know the left side struggled and we were terrible at picking up the blitz, but I can't remember how much pressure came from our right side.
We were good rushing the passer in the playoffs, but remember we went blitz happy. I don't think that's sustainable for a full season, we need a legit pass rusher imo.

Zuma · Mar 17, 2026

DoubleDeluxe said:
...we need a legit pass rusher....

Absolutely

mayoclinic · Mar 17, 2026

DoubleDeluxe said:
This is a very important point.
Every year we see lists of top 30, 50, 100.......
When many of them are similar we group think and accept them.
Now obv some of us do our own assessment, you more than most.
However, Vrabs and staff's list could look nothing like the consensus.
Maybe they have Howell ranked 15 overall, maybe they have Boston ranked inside the top 20, maybe they have Freeling at 40.....etc.
What we all consider a value or reach, could be way different than what our Front office staff thinks, I see it every year (with all teams).

BB seemingly had special team players with 2nd round grades.

I consider Max Iheanachor worth the 31 pick because of his measurables, testing, elite traits (rare footwork for his size), tape against top players, Senior Bowl performance, and Trajectory. But some teams - possibly the Pats - may view him as a development day 2 prospect, while others may have a top 20 grade on him.

I consider TJ Parker a top 50 player but not someone I would jump for at 31 because of his lack of bendability, low pressure rate, and overall regression in 2025. But he has heavy hands, good EDGE setting ability, a strong overall game and a very strong 1-split. Some teams may value him more highly.

Valuations will very widely in this draft. There is no consensus.

mgteich · Mar 17, 2026

DoubleDeluxe said:
Here's the real question.
Is Edge a bigger need than RT for 2026?
I think the answer is an obv yes.
Are we trying to compete for a SB in 2026, I say the answer is yes.
We should not reach for any position, but if there is an Edge available at 31 that the staff has ranked higher than the best RT, I think you need to go Edge.
It's not like the RT well dries up after the 2026 draft.
Don't get me wrong, we need both and you never draft for one year, but we do need to think of our 2026 roster too.

QUESTION
What is the different is quality between the OT available at 31 and one available at 63? We could need a RT this year at some point.

We almost suredly will need one next year. AND, OT's very difficult to get. If we don't take advantage of this year, then we are very, very likely to be having the same discussion next year. After all, the free agent way of getting a top RT is very expensive if we are even able to be one of those whp outbid everyone else.

QUESTION
What is the different is quality between the EDGE player available at 31 and one available at 63?
The difference might be much less. It seems likely that we could get an EDGE player who Vrabel can get a lot out of in 2026. The reality is that the stud future all-pro is unlikely to be there at 31 and if he were there, we would likely not recognize him.

MY CONCLUSION
is that we can definitely fill two very important needs with OT at 31 and EDGE at 63.

I also think that we will NOT fill those needs with EDGE at 31 and OT at 63.

Obviously, a lot depends on the individual players available at 31. But make no mistake, passing on RT is a very dangerous risk to take.

IN THE END,
don't you think that there is at least one EDGE players that y'all want that will be there at 63? Is it likely that you will find an OT that you like at 63 (or even 53 or 43)?

The difference m

manxman2601 · Mar 18, 2026

mgteich said:
QUESTION
What is the different is quality between the OT available at 31 and one available at 63? We could need a RT this year at some point.

We almost suredly will need one next year. AND, OT's very difficult to get. If we don't take advantage of this year, then we are very, very likely to be having the same discussion next year. After all, the free agent way of getting a top RT is very expensive if we are even able to be one of those whp outbid everyone else.

QUESTION
What is the different is quality between the EDGE player available at 31 and one available at 63?
The difference might be much less. It seems likely that we could get an EDGE player who Vrabel can get a lot out of in 2026. The reality is that the stud future all-pro is unlikely to be there at 31 and if he were there, we would likely not recognize him.

MY CONCLUSION
is that we can definitely fill two very important needs with OT at 31 and EDGE at 63.

I also think that we will NOT fill those needs with EDGE at 31 and OT at 63.

Obviously, a lot depends on the individual players available at 31. But make no mistake, passing on RT is a very dangerous risk to take.

IN THE END,
don't you think that there is at least one EDGE players that y'all want that will be there at 63? Is it likely that you will find an OT that you like at 63 (or even 53 or 43)?

The difference m

One important distinction you left out. An EDGE drafted this year will get a substantial number of snaps hopefully. A RT drafted this year won't ideally.

Clonamery · Mar 18, 2026

manxman2601 said:
One important distinction you left out. An EDGE drafted this year will get a substantial number of snaps hopefully. A RT drafted this year won't ideally.

8 minutes is going to feel very short this year.

Water Boy · Mar 18, 2026

Seems like a polarity is forming:

The RT camp - traumatized by poor offensive line talent since the departure of Thuney and Mason. Where Onwenu has been our alpha. Where mid round picks have failed to develop (Robinson, Wallace, Mafi, etc.). Are ok with the delayed gratification of a year of seasoning behind Mo Mo with possible swing tackle duties and a potential anchor on the line for 2027 and beyond.

The DE camp - sees an impact pass rusher as the critical missing piece to the defense, assumes Landry is toast, can contribute immediately, and assures Super Bowl contention in 2026.

Clonamery · Mar 18, 2026

Water Boy said:
Seems like a polarity is forming:

The RT camp - traumatized by poor offensive line talent since the departure of Thuney and Mason. Where Onwenu has been our alpha. Where mid round picks have failed to develop (Robinson, Wallace, Mafi, etc.). Are ok with the delayed gratification of a year of seasoning behind Mo Mo with possible swing tackle duties and a potential anchor on the line for 2027 and beyond.

The DE camp - sees an impact pass rusher as the critical missing piece to the defense, assumes Landry is toast, can contribute immediately, and assures Super Bowl contention in 2026.

I don't see it as either/or. There's an approach where the need (EDGE) is prevalent but will the players you like (fit & form) be there in and around where you pick. If not, trade back or go to the value pick, sescondary (OT) or BPA. Do what's best for the team.

mayoclinic · Mar 18, 2026

Both are needs, it's a question of priorities, depth of the draft class, and who is available.

If all 7 of the top Oats are off the board by 31, it's a moot point.

I think the notion of "RT for 2027 vs. EDGE for 2026" is a fallacy. Things don't play out the way you expect. There's no guarantee that an OT won't be desperately needed in 2026, or that a rookie EDGE will make an impact.

mayoclinic · Mar 18, 2026

I think the chance of getting a contributing EDGE day 2 are >>> that of getting a contributing OT.

Zuma · Mar 18, 2026

mayoclinic said:
I think the notion of "RT for 2027 vs. EDGE for 2026" is a fallacy. Things don't play out the way you expect. There's no guarantee that an OT won't be desperately needed in 2026, or that a rookie EDGE will make an impact.

I think having a plan is not a mistake. If the team is planning for exactly that...then how is it a fallacy? What other plan would they have? Maybe the players you get in the draft to play DE and RT get injured or they are not a good fit but the plan remains. You still have to try to implement it.

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