Picks: Nos. 31, 63, 95, 125, 131, 171, 191, 198, 202, 212, 247
One of the draft's big questions is if and how the Patriots address wide receiver at the end of Round 1. They have a clear need besides
Romeo Doubs and
Kayshon Boutte, and a bona fide WR1 is the best fit next to those two well-rounded talents. Of course,
A.J. Brown is
definitely a WR1, and guys such as
Denzel Boston (Washington) and
KC Concepcion (Texas A&M) also might be. If I were Eliot Wolf and Mike Vrabel, I'd pass on wide receiver in Round 1 but still hit it on Day 2 to keep leverage on the Eagles, who could eventually lower their demands this summer.
Another potential solution?
Kenyon Sadiq.
Hunter Henry is turning 32 this season and playing on the final year of his contract.
Julian Hill, signed in free agency, has only ever been a rotational player and is known for his blocking. Sadiq both solves the long-term tight end need
and occupies some of the projected Brown targets in the event a deal does not get done.
The Patriots should get a developmental TE no matter what (great class for that) and look for a developmental safety behind
Kevin Byard III on his one-year deal. The other position with major needs in 2027 and beyond is the offensive line.
Will Campbell's rookie season ended on a downswing, but he generally looked like a plus blocker who might still eventually face a move to guard. Similarly,
Jared Wilson had good flashes and now moves to his best position at center. Otherwise, the Patriots are starting
Alijah Vera-Tucker (oft-injured),
Morgan Moses (just turned 35) and
Mike Onwenu (one year left on his deal).
The five-across on the line is nice for now, but future starters are needed. Both Campbell and Wilson struggle with their length, so I imagine the Pats want more size. Think Miami's
Markel Bell or Memphis'
Travis Burke in Round 3 at tackle, or Kentucky's
Jalen Farmer or Auburn's
Jeremiah Wright at guard in a similar range.
These are all forward-looking needs, which speaks to the health of the Patriots' roster. If they were pursuing a Year 1 contributor to get over the AFC hump, I'd target edge at No. 31. Both
Harold Landry III and
Dre'Mont Jones can be displaced from snaps on pass-rush downs by a first-step maven such as
Cashius Howell (Texas A&M) or
Malachi Lawrence (UCF).
R Mason Thomas (Oklahoma) screams Vrabel toughness and was a predraft visit for New England.
The bottom line: Prioritize long-term roster health by investing in future starters along the line, at safety and at tight end. Draft a receiver to keep the heat on the Eagles.
