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What position do you think NE *will* draft first?

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What position *WILL* Vrabel et al. draft first?


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ctpatsfan77

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OK, before I asked what position you want the Pats to draft first. Now the question is what you think they will do.

And for all you RLKAG purists, I removed the most unpopular options from the first poll, so here you go.
 
Changed my mind from the first poll I thought OT. But after reading the mock drafts etc and considering needs. And of course Manx "Et al" I now think they will draft an Edge.
 
This poll will close: May 4, 2026. Your vote will be publicly visible.

I will take an educated guess long before the poll closes.
 
My guess is that it will be either edge or OT. Which will depend on how the first round plays out.

Now watch them draft a WR.
 
My guess is that it will be either edge or OT. Which will depend on how the first round plays out.

Now watch them draft a WR.
You've been Rong before roc.
 
OK, before I asked what position you want the Pats to draft first. Now the question is what you think they will do.

And for all you RLKAG purists, I removed the most unpopular options from the first poll, so here you go.
I can't see the Taking a Offensive Tackle in First a guy who'll probably sit. That would not be wise: @ 31 you take the Best Edge - WR or CB available.
 
It will be either a tackle or an edge player unless there is a guy there who is too good to pass up.

It is a crappy draft. So don't be surprised if they trade out of the first round especially if they can get a first rounder in 2027.
 
Can’t tell, because it depends on how all the earlier picks play out.

So the only correct answer has to be Ray.
 
It will be either a tackle or an edge player unless there is a guy there who is too good to pass up.

It is a crappy draft. So don't be surprised if they trade out of the first round especially if they can get a first rounder in 2027.
I agree, a trade down is very possible.
 
I can't see the Taking a Offensive Tackle in First a guy who'll probably sit. That would not be wise: @ 31 you take the Best Edge - WR or CB available.
They are taking Edge twin.. I can bet you that Edge isna day 1 starter.. they aren't looking for project guys... that is what UDFA is for and practice squad.. Vrabel wants day 1 impact player at 31..

The last time that I can remember us taking a day 1 Edge guy was Chandler Jones... that's how long it's been 14 years...

You need a guy opposite Dre jones... I don't expect anything from Landry unless he goes to the fountain of youth...and shows something in camp..
 
Can’t tell, because it depends on how all the earlier picks play out.

So the only correct answer has to be Ray.
I believe Vrabel is making intentional roster decisions... what I can see is he's waiting to fill out the roster with the draft and then see what available Veteran FAs are still available sign to a camp contract.

At 31.. I see edge.. unless something else transpires.. trades, moving up/down it's edge.. round 2, I see OT, round 3 I see TE, beyond round 3 whos knows?
 
The team has let three linebacker go this off-season. I don't think it happens, but just maybe, they're enamoured by Jacob Rodriguez. There aren't many more Vrabel-like players in this draft.
 
First pick has to be a tackle. Or a guard. Or a center. Starters are either old or developing. Depth is practically non-existent. If there's a guy that will be a great RT, EVEN IF HE HAS TO SIT MOST OF THIS YEAR AND LEARN, you take him and be happy you got him. At best, he starts this year. At worst for this year, you have a good backup.
 
First pick has to be a tackle. Or a guard. Or a center.
You will be disappointed when you lean into the "has to be" part of the NFL Draft.
 
Picking at 31 is tough because there are about a bunch of guys that are worth that pick who may be available. T.J. Parker, Kayden McDonald, Max Iheanachor, Zion Young, R. Mason Thomas, Blake Miller, KC Concepcion, Cashius Howell, Omar Cooper Jr., Denzel Boston, Jacob Rodriguez...

I can see this play out in three scenarios and they all depend on how the board falls.

  1. WR - Teams target Oline and Edge allowing good WR to fall. It is tough to pass on Omar Cooper Jr. if he is there. I don't think he will be. KC Concepcion is another target if Parker, Howell, Young, Miller, and Iheanachor are gone.
  2. O-Line - Protecting the QB with a skilled RT for the next 10 years is a very tempting proposition. Miller and Iheanachor both have the potential to do that. This league has a lack of good OT, and teams do not let them walk. When they do, they get outrageous contracts. I think OT is the best strategy for team building of one of these guys is available. The argument that we can't take a player who won't start is just stupid. Big Mo is fantastic, but near the end. There is no guarantee he plays the whole season.
  3. Edge - Its a really deep class, I mean really deep. We can select a different position at 31, and get a starter at 63 if the board falls right. Or we can trade up from 63 to target a specific player. Edge may be our greatest need in this draft, but the top rushers at 31 have big flaws. TJ Parker had inconsistent 2025 production, a lack of elite, high-end athleticism, and reliance on power over developed technical pass-rush moves. Cashius Howell is a highly productive, but if you thought the Will Campbell arm length was bad, Howell has 30 1/4-inch arms and a lean frame. Zion Young is the perfect physical prototype with one huge problem. His pressures don't lead to sacks. He had 9 sacks combined in the last two seasons while Howell had 11.5 in 2025 alone, and Parker had 16 sacks in the last two seasons. I would be happy with Young or Howell, but I am not a Parker fan.
 
You will be disappointed when you lean into the "has to be" part of the NFL Draft.

I would be...if this wasn't the intent of the thread as I read it What position do I think will be? I said it has to be
 
This happened 6 times during the super bowl (Maye was #4 for the season with 47) and the line got exposed, I am certain Vrabel considered this a problem. The first pick will be addressing needs to protect the franchise.

 
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