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

[Rdforty2]

2 problems with that. You aren’t finding a starter RT in rounds 3 or 4, no point in wasting picks. If the point is to have a guy on the 53 roster Bryant is there. And b)Moses could either be serviceable next year or he could retire in camp, not a bet I’d be willing to take without quality insurance behind him.

30% of the starting tackles in the league were 3rd round picks or lower. Including Morgan Moses.

3's and 4's bust at all positions. Having a coach like Marrone and learning under a vet like Moses is a great situation for a young player. Its possible it doesnt work out, but any pick in the range could not work out.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

2 problems with that. You aren’t finding a starter RT in rounds 3 or 4, no point in wasting picks. If the point is to have a guy on the 53 roster Bryant is there. And b)Moses could either be serviceable next year or he could retire in camp, not a bet I’d be willing to take without quality insurance behind him.

c) be injured and miss more than half the year.

 

[mayoclinic]

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.

 

[stinkypete]

My preferred option is to shore up OT and edge in free agency, and go best player available in the draft.

 

[manxman2601]

My preferred option is to shore up OT and edge in free agency, and go best player available in the draft.

The thing is, at least for now, there are quality edge and RT congregating around pick 31. That may not last but things are currently lining up quite well for those positions.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

My preferred option is to shore up OT and edge in free agency, and go best player available in the draft.

EDGE and OT will be expensive in FA and Wolf just said they are not necessarily spending a lot. My reading between the lines is that we are not signing an EDGE or OT in FA. Maybe an OG?

 

[mgteich]

The thing is, at least for now, there are quality edge and RT congregating around pick 31. That may not last but things are currently lining up quite well for those positions.

Getting an EDGE player or 2027 starting RT at 31 would be huge PLUS. Obviously, the ability of the RT to back-up at LT would also help the Game Day roster.

 

[mgteich]

I think it's becoming established here on this forum that EDGE and RT are our two biggest needs. Yes, there's other possibilities - just going BPA for example or hitting an offensive skill position as another - but I think EDGE and RT are where we're at by and large.

However there are difficulties. Most of the best prospects, even at the second level, are likely gone by pick 63. Using Dane Brugler's top 100 as a guide:

1. Go EDGE in the first (Mesidor/Parker) and the second tier OTs like Blake Miller or Iheanachor don't even get to the mid second, never mind 63.

2. Go OT in the first, and the second tier edge rushers like Zion Young, Mason Thomas, Derrick Moore and even Gabe Jacas likely don't make it to 63.

This makes sense, these are premium positions.

So what are the options? I see 5 main ones (I'm not including trading back because there's too much guess work involved):

1. Sign an EDGE in FA and draft a RT at 31.

2. Draft an EDGE at 31 and draft Dametrious Crownover, Caleb Tiernan or Austin Barber who are the best of the tier 3 OTs.

3. Draft an OT at 31 and then draft a top tier 3 edge rusher: Keyron Crawford, Malachi Lawrence, maybe Romello Height or Dennis-Sutton.

4. Draft an OT at 31 and hope someone like Jacas falls close enough to 63 to trade up for.

5. Ignore needs and go BPA.

Option 2 is my 'heart' favourite because I can't quit Mesidor but my head says option 1 is the best one. I also like option 5, just go BPA.

The other argument in favour of option 2 is that any RT pick is a developmental one that will only see real benefits in year 2 of a rookie contract. I don't think we're expecting a drafted RT to replace Moses out of the gate. I don't mind developing Crownover or Barber. On the other hand, we're really looking for an EDGE to produce immediately and I don't think the tier 3 edge rushers are prospects you can nail on to be day one starters.

Because these two needs are where most of this discussion is, I just wanted to lay out, as starkly as possible where things currently stand and what the options currently are. Yes, the combine and FA could all change this massively.

So what are your favourite options?

5A) Take the BPA at EDGE or RT.

Of course, Vrabel will also look at these positions in free agency.

 

[hornetfb85]

Edge is the #1 priority in my eyes….unless Freeling is there. If he’s there he’s my guy no matter what. I see them going after one of the top tier edges in FA.

Personally, I’d like Chaisson back, sign Boye Mafe, then look at Caden Curry or Ethan Burke in the 4th/5th

 

[DaBruinz]

My preferred option is to shore up OT and edge in free agency, and go best player available in the draft.

With what, exactly? There isn't a lot available at edge or OT in free agency that's worth adding.

 

[PatsFan2]

I know we got T Henderson but Ozzie Trapilo would have been a Great Pick last Draft too. Our Brass went to his Pro Day: the Bears got the beat on us Great value where they got him.

 

[manxman2601]

I know we got T Henderson but Ozzie Trapilo would have been a Great Pick last Draft too. Our Brass went to his Pro Day: the Bears got the beat on us Great value where they got him.

Except he's out for most of next season apparently. Sad for him.

 

[PatsFan2]

Except he's out for most of next season apparently. Sad for him.

Yeah he should be a 100% in 27.

 

[mgteich]

EDGE and OT will be expensive in FA and Wolf just said they are not necessarily spending a lot. My reading between the lines is that we are not signing an EDGE or OT in FA. Maybe an OG?

That is what we have been expecting for months.

It is hard to believe that we won't add on one OL (in addition to the required backup LT).

 

[Dec54]

EDGE and OT will be expensive in FA and Wolf just said they are not necessarily spending a lot. My reading between the lines is that we are not signing an EDGE or OT in FA. Maybe an OG?

So who is the edge rusher going to be in FA. Hendrickson, Crosby? I hope not either, to old and far to expensive. So who does that leave. The draft is strong with edge rushers. Yes 31 is not the best pick in the draft, but there should be talent there.

 

[p8ryts]

I think it's becoming established here on this forum that EDGE and RT are our two biggest needs. Yes, there's other possibilities - just going BPA for example or hitting an offensive skill position as another - but I think EDGE and RT are where we're at by and large.

However there are difficulties. Most of the best prospects, even at the second level, are likely gone by pick 63. Using Dane Brugler's top 100 as a guide:

1. Go EDGE in the first (Mesidor/Parker) and the second tier OTs like Blake Miller or Iheanachor don't even get to the mid second, never mind 63.

2. Go OT in the first, and the second tier edge rushers like Zion Young, Mason Thomas, Derrick Moore and even Gabe Jacas likely don't make it to 63.

This makes sense, these are premium positions.

So what are the options? I see 5 main ones (I'm not including trading back because there's too much guess work involved):

1. Sign an EDGE in FA and draft a RT at 31.

2. Draft an EDGE at 31 and draft Dametrious Crownover, Caleb Tiernan or Austin Barber who are the best of the tier 3 OTs.

3. Draft an OT at 31 and then draft a top tier 3 edge rusher: Keyron Crawford, Malachi Lawrence, maybe Romello Height or Dennis-Sutton.

4. Draft an OT at 31 and hope someone like Jacas falls close enough to 63 to trade up for.

5. Ignore needs and go BPA.

Option 2 is my 'heart' favourite because I can't quit Mesidor but my head says option 1 is the best one. I also like option 5, just go BPA.

The other argument in favour of option 2 is that any RT pick is a developmental one that will only see real benefits in year 2 of a rookie contract. I don't think we're expecting a drafted RT to replace Moses out of the gate. I don't mind developing Crownover or Barber. On the other hand, we're really looking for an EDGE to produce immediately and I don't think the tier 3 edge rushers are prospects you can nail on to be day one starters.

Because these two needs are where most of this discussion is, I just wanted to lay out, as starkly as possible where things currently stand and what the options currently are. Yes, the combine and FA could all change this massively.

So what are your favourite options?

Edge, unless you are drafting a tackle to compete with Campbell.

 

[mayoclinic]

The OP nailed the basic dilemma:

There are 11 EDGE rushers who could not last to 60:

1. Arvell Reese
2. David Bailey
3. Rueben Bain
4. Keldric Faulk
5. Akheem Mesidor
6. TJ Parker
7. Zion Young
8. Gabe Jacas
9. Dani Dennis-Sutton
10. Malachi Lawrence
11. Derrick Moore

There are 7 potential tackles (some project better to guard) and 3-4 IOL who could all potentially not last to 60:

1. Monroe Freeling
2. Francis Mauigoa
3. Spencer Fano
4. Caleb Lomu
5. Max Iheanachor
6. Blake Miller
7. Kadyn Proctor

1. Olaivavega Ioane
2. Emmanuel Pregnon
3. Chase Bisontis
4. Gennings Dunker

That's 22 players.

Teams seeking help at offensive tackle in the NFL Draft might well be advised to get one while they last.

"There are 7 OT's with potential to go in 1st rd," NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah has tweeted. "After that group, I could see a gap to the 3rd rd.

"If you want one, you are going to probably have to take one higher than you'd like in RD 1."

ESPN draft analyst Tidd McShay has expressed a similar sentiment on social media.

"Eight OL come flying off the board in RD1/top-40 overall," McShay has tweeted. "The shelf drops off drastically after that, especially at OT."

On The Clock: Ranking the top OTs in the '26 Draft

I see 2 QB, 1 RB, 1-2 TEs, 6-7 WRs going in the top 40+ picks. I see 3-4 DL, 3-4 LBs, 3-4 safeties and 6 DBs in the top 50. So that's roughly another 30 players.

The Pats will have a hard choice at 31. WR could be in play as well, though not my preference. After that, a lot of luck will be needed.

 

[stelfans]

I agree, its gonna be a tough one. My inclination is to go with either Max Iheanachor or Blake Miller because they could back up both sides and they have nothing there. They could very well be high on Bryant but it sure didnt look that way last year.
But i think they'll go EDGE unless Crosby somehow end ups in NE.

 

[manxman2601]

The OP nailed the basic dilemma:

There are 11 EDGE rushers who could not last to 60:

1. Arvell Reese
2. David Bailey
3. Rueben Bain
4. Keldric Faulk
5. Akheem Mesidor
6. TJ Parker
7. Zion Young
8. Gabe Jacas
9. Dani Dennis-Sutton
10. Malachi Lawrence
11. Derrick Moore

There are 7 potential tackles (some project better to guard) and 3-4 IOL who could all potentially not last to 60:

1. Monroe Freeling
2. Francis Mauigoa
3. Spencer Fano
4. Caleb Lomu
5. Max Iheanachor
6. Blake Miller
7. Kadyn Proctor

1. Olaivavega Ioane
2. Emmanuel Pregnon
3. Chase Bisontis
4. Gennings Dunker

That's 22 players.

On The Clock: Ranking the top OTs in the '26 Draft

I see 2 QB, 1 RB, 1-2 TEs, 6-7 WRs going in the top 40+ picks. I see 3-4 DL, 3-4 LBs, 3-4 safeties and 6 DBs in the top 50. So that's roughly another 30 players.

The Pats will have a hard choice at 31. WR could be in play as well, though not my preference. After that, a lot of luck will be needed.

It's probably more instructive to understand who will be there after 60 to determine the right path.

So, not on your lists above. I'm only going to list prospects who could get on the field year one.

EDGE:

(note - you didn't include Cashius Howell and R Mason Thomas above. I'm going to assume they won't make it to 63 either).

Joshua Josephs
Romello Height
Keyron Crawford
Tyreak Sapp
Jaishawn Barham
Nadame Tucker


(Note - I've excluded people I don't think fit like LT Overton, Anthony Lucas and Mikail Kamara)

OT:

Gennings Dunker
Caleb Tiernan
Markel Bell
Kage Casey
Jude Bowry
JC Davis
Austin Barber
Diego Pounds
Dametrious Crownover
Aamil Wagner
Keagen Trost

 

[mgteich]

We are in somewhat better shape than a week ago. We will very likely actually have a pick in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd rounds. We might lose a 2027 pick or two, but that is an issue for next year or certainly for after this draft.
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I don't see how we pass on one of the top tackles unless one of our very top EDGE players slide to 31.

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