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

[mgteich]

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.

If there is a run on OT's I could see Vrabel trading a 4th to move up to take his choice at OT.

 

[mgteich]

Picking at 31 is tough because there are about a bunch of guys that are worth that pick who may be available.

I believe that is true throughout the first round.

 

[stinkypete]

The value at #31 points to RT.

Plenty of edges can be found later.

 

[sb1]

I think they'll be wacky and take a RB.

If his name is Jeremiyah Love they'll take him.

Otherwise I think they trade down and take an Edge with their first of at least two 2nd round picks.

 

[imahobgoblin]

I believe that is true throughout the first round.

Not in 2023, 2024, and 2025 for us. Gonzo, Maye, and Campbell were the obvious picks with very little debate.

 

[imahobgoblin]

If there is a run on OT's I could see Vrabel trading a 4th to move up to take his choice at OT.

I hope so. Get the guy he really wants.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

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.

Almost every mock I've seen this week that has the Pats taking a receiver has them taking Denzel Boston . . . From UW.

 

[imahobgoblin]

Almost every mock I've seen this week that has the Pats taking a receiver has them taking Denzel Boston . . . From UW.

I have seen quite a few and he scares me as the next N'Keal Harry. He is slow (refused to run at the Combine) and isn't great at getting separation.

 

[A Defiant Goose]

I'm hoping for OT or some highly touted WR/TE prospect drops to 31 but I honestly can't see them taking anything other than edge