MORSE: Patriots Mock Draft 6 – A Week Before the Draft
Patriots Mock Draft 6: Trading Down for Depth and Eliot Wolf's 'Packer Way' Vision
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With a week to go before the actual Draft, I used the NFL Draft Buzz Mock Simulator for a different perspective. I also took some feedback from my last draft and didn’t try to trade up. Eliot Wolf has made it known that he is willing to part with some draft capital to move up. However, it takes two to tango, and I don’t think other teams will be interested in making the trade if a player like Malachi Lawrence is still on the board. That is, unless the Patriots are willing to overpay.
I am also making the major assumption that the Patriots are trading for AJ Brown come June 1st. Therefore, I am not selecting a WR very highly, and it is not a priority.
The mock draft begins with a pivotal move: trading away pick 31 overall to Cincinnati. In return, New England acquires additional mid‑round selections, picks 41 and 72, and a 2027 4th. The Draft has had a run on premier pass rushers and Offensive Tackles.
This strategy underscores patience. Rather than forcing a late first‑round selection, the Patriots opt for depth, betting that quantity and development will outperform a single fringe Round‑1 prospect. With roster turnover ongoing, the added volume makes sense. Grade: A‑
The Bengals must have really wanted KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M. They paid a high price for him. This was an offer that came from the NFL Draft Buzz Mock Simulator software and not something I generated.
PICK: 41 RND: 2 (NE) Blake Miller OT Clemson
With their first pick acquired via trade, the Patriots turn their attention to the offensive line, selecting Blake Miller, a tackle prospect from Clemson. Miller’s profile fits New England’s priorities in rebuilding the front five: he possesses notable size and power and brings experience facing high-level collegiate competition. These attributes are considered essential as the Patriots seek to establish a more formidable and reliable offensive line.
Offensive tackle is widely regarded as a premium position, especially in the context of roster construction and long-term investment. By securing Miller at the top of the second round, New England gains significant value, sidestepping the financial and performance expectations associated with a first-round contract. Miller projects as a versatile asset—he could develop into a reliable long-term starter or contribute immediately as a rotational piece with the potential for upside. I can’t believe that Miller is still on the board. I forsake taking an Edge player for a 4-year starter at Right Tackle. Grade: A‑
Premium position, strong value early in Round 2. Miller has starter traits and high‑level experience. Even if he doesn’t hit immediately, Tackle depth alone makes this a quality pick. Miller was a 4-year starter at Right Tackle for Clemson, and I would have seriously consider taking him at 31 if the trade offer wasn’t presented.
PICK: 63 RND: 2 (NE) Jacob Rodriguez LB Texas Tech
Not taking an EDGE player at #41 turns out to be a miscalculation. There is another run on EDGE players, and I am forced to pivot to get reasonable value and address a team need. With their second selection of Round 2, the Patriots pivot to defense, taking linebacker Jacob Rodriguez. Rodriguez profiles as a rangy, modern linebacker capable of staying on the field in passing situations—an increasing necessity in today’s NFL.
This pick supports New England’s ongoing effort to inject speed into the middle of its defense while maintaining physicality against the run. Grade: B+
Modern linebacker with range and coverage ability. Solid fit for today’s NFL, though not an elite athlete. Good value late in Round 2 with rotational upside. Immediate backup to Robert Spillane who turns 31 late in the season and is a Free Agent next season.
PICK: 72 RND: 3 (NE) Jake Golday OLB Cincinnati
New England doubles down on defensive athleticism in Round 3, starting with Jake Golday, an edge linebacker from Cincinnati, at pick 72. Golday offers pass‑rush ability and scheme versatility, aligning with the Patriots’ preference for hybrid defenders.
This pick emphasizes defensive flexibility and reinforces multiple layers of the unit rather than relying on one marquee addition. Grade: B
Versatile front‑seven addition with pass‑rush traits. Slight projection pick, but scheme flexibility boosts his value in New England’s system. We need at least two, maybe three, linebackers to replace players we have lost this offseason.
PICK: 95 RND: 3 (NE) Zakee Wheatley S Penn State
Later in the round, the Patriots select Zakee Wheatley, a safety from Penn State, at pick 95. Wheatley adds depth to the secondary and fits the mold of a reliable back‑end defender who can contribute on special teams early. Solid selection after another run of EDGE players. The EDGE players are going a full round ahead of where they should be drafted. Grade: B+
High floor selection. Smart, physical safety who can contribute early on special teams and develop into a reliable rotational defender. Gets a year behind future Hall of Famer Kevin Byard, who turns 33.
PICK: 125 RND: 4 (NE) Oscar Delp TE Georgia
The fourth round sees New England turning back to offense. Tight end Oscar Delp from Georgia (pick 125) brings size and SEC pedigree to a position that has cycled through youth and transitions in recent seasons. Expected an EDGE player to be available here and got shut out again. Grade: B+
Good blend of size and athleticism. Not a finished product, but Georgia tight ends are typically well‑coached. Real chance to earn snaps early. Replacement for 32-year-old Hunter Henry in 2027.
Dane Brugler had this to say about Delp in The Beast Draft Guide. “A three-year starter at Georgia, Delp was a Y tight end in offensive coordinator Mike Bobo’s offense. He played alongside Brock Bowers in 2022 and 2023 and was expected to become more of a featured part of the offense over his junior and senior seasons. However, his receiving production declined slightly over the past two years — he never reached 25 catches in a single season at Georgia. Delp is a good-sized athlete who is still figuring out how to reach his football ceiling. He has above-average speed and body control for his frame, which shows in his route running and when he has a runway after the catch (he models his game after AJ Barner). He plays with physicality in all areas of his game, although his catch-point focus tends to decline when he’s challenged. He strains as a blocker, inline and on the move, although his lack of length limits him at times. Overall, Delp has an underwhelming college resume, but grading to the flashes shows an NFL player who can impact games as a receiver and blocker. He is a prime candidate to be a better pro than he was a college player.” Delp is his #4 TE, and he gave him a 3rd round draft grade. This is a drastic contrast to what PFF has him as a 6th-round grade. His limited production at Georgia may be the reason. He is expected to be a better Pro than College players, and his 4.49 40-yard dash is a clear indication of his athleticism. He had a 9.82 RAS, and he met with the Patriots at Gillette on one of the team’s 30 visits.
PICK: 131 RND: 4 (NE) Trey Zuhn III C Texas A&M
Patriots add Trey Zuhn III, a projected Interior Offensive Lineman from Texas A&M, at pick 131. Interior offensive line depth is critical, with Alijah Vera-Tucker’s Injury history and Michael Onwenu entering his contract year. He has the versatility to play all the Offensive line positions. His 9.96 RAS shows off his athleticism, which got him named 1st Team LT in the SEC and the Jacobs Trophy winner for the best lineman in the SEC. He also played two games at Center. Zuhn played 54 games in the rugged SEC over 4 years, with 48 starts at Left Tackle. Zuhn is also a team leader as a two-time Captain. I don’t expect that Zuhn will be at pick #131, but if he is it’s a no-brainer to make this selection. I won’t reach for an EDGE player. Grade: A‑
Excellent value. Experienced interior lineman with starting upside. Center depth is critical, and this pick quietly strengthens the offensive foundation. If you compare Zuhn to Will Campbell, they are nearly identical. Both were 1st team all SEC. Both were multiple-year starters, and both have short arms. Yet, Zuhn’s RAS Score of 9.96 is better than Campbell’s 9.88, which was 17th all-time of 1379 OT recorded since 1987. Zuhn’s 9.96 is 8th of 1642OT Tested. Yet Zuhn is already slated to play Guard or Center. I have no doubt Zuhn could fill in at Left Tackle for a few games if needed.
These 4th round selections suggest an emphasis on getting quarterback Drake Maye some support—both in protection and reliable short‑to‑intermediate targets. It adds youth and support to positions that have aging veterans or players with questionable injury histories. Depth and development of players into eventual starters is the key mantra of “the Packer Way,” developed by Eliot Wolf’s father, Hall of Famer Ron Wolf.
PICK: 171 RND: 5 (NE) Kaleb Elarms-Orr LB TCU
Grade: B
Physical, instinctive linebacker. Likely a core special‑teamer early with a chance to grow into a rotational role. The 6’2”, 4.47 40 (2), 1.59 10/Split (3), 40” V (2), 6’ 2’’, 234 lbs., 31 1/2’’ Arm Length, 9’’ Hands. Elarms-Orr earned 2nd Team All-Big 12 in 2024 and 1st Team All-Big 12 in 2025. That production got him an invite to the Senior Bowl. He had a combined 130 Tackles and 4 Sacks in 2025. His amazing workout at the Combine has scouts looking back at this season, and his draft stock is rising.
NFL Draft Buzz had this to say about Elarms-Orr’s Strengths:
Dane Brugler added this in The Beast Draft Guide: “4-2-5 base scheme. After he led Cal in tackles in 2023, he transferred to Fort Worth and was a backup in 2024 before exploding in 2025, with three games of 15-plus tackles. He was one of just nine FBS players with 130-plus tackles in ‘25 and led the Big 12 in that category. (He had two more tackles than Jacob Rodriguez, despite playing one fewer game.) Elarms-Orr didn’t play tackle football until high school and wasn’t a full-time inside backer until 2023. That relative inexperience shows when he plays more reactively than instinctively. But he played faster in 2025, and his explosive speed and revved-up chase motor pop on film. Though he needs to tighten his pursuit angles, he can course-correct on the move and does a nice job breaking down and finishing as a tackler. Overall, Elarms-Orr needs to continue maturing his eye discipline and development in coverage, but he is explosive in short areas and has the range to cover ground. Given his athleticism and football character, teams like his floor as a special-teamer with the talent to become more.”
PICK: 191 RND: 6 (NE) Ephesians Prysock CB Washington
Prysock provides perimeter depth and length in the secondary. Grade: B+
A big DB at 6’3”, 198-pounds with 4.45 speed and a 6.82 3-cone drill. Carlton Davis played the entire season for the 1st time in his 8-year career. Adding a developmental cornerback is a smart move by the Patriots. He started at Arizona and started 3 games as a freshman and 13 as a Sophomore. Transferred to Washington and started 26 consecutive games. Played in 46 games and started 42. All Big Ten Academic Team and Honorable Mention All-Big Ten.
NFL Draft Buzz had this to say about Prysock:
Prysock is Dane Brugler’s #18 CB with a 4th-5th round grade. Brugler goes on to say in The Beast Draft Guide, “A tall, long-limbed athlete, Prysock can carry receivers vertically or close on throws with linear burst. He uses his length to affect the catch point, but tends to be handsy through routes and isn’t natural playing the football. He doesn’t consistently trust his technique or speed, which is the root of several of his issues, leaving him unbalanced and tardy to react. Overall, Prysock has rare physical traits that are hard to find at the position, although he is still learning how to maximize those tools in coverage. He will appeal to both press-heavy and zone-based schemes as a developmental dart throw.
PICK: 198 RND: 6 (NE) Dallen Bentley TE Utah
Compliments the Delp selection, reinforcing the tight end room. The 6’4” 264-pound TE ran a 4.62 40-yard Dash at the Combine. Bentley had to wait his turn to play and broke out in a big way as a Senior. He started 12 of 13 games, caught 48 passes for 620 yards and six touchdowns, ranked seventh among all tight ends nationally in receiving yards, and was named a John Mackey Award semifinalist and All-Big 12 Third Team. This is what NFL Draft Buzz said about Bentley. Grade: B‑
I particularly like his pass protection efficiency too, something Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper were very bad at in 2025.
Dane Brugler had this to say in The Beast Draft Guide. “A two-year starter at Utah, Bentley was a Y tight end in former offensive coordinator Jason Beck’s RPO-based spread scheme. With only one catch in high school and three at Utah entering the 2025 season, he didn’t have a body of work to fully evaluate. But he made up for lost time in his senior season for the Utes, finishing second on the team in receiving (and he would have had 25 more catches had he played with a more accurate quarterback). A zone monster, Bentley has a great feel for urgently sitting down, securing the catch and then finding hidden yards as a tough-to-finish runner. He is highly efficient in his snatch-and-go body mechanics, although that focus doesn’t carry over to crowded catch points (low Back to table of contents 189 success rate in contested windows). He did a better job playing to his size as a run blocker in 2025, but his uneven technique leads to sustain issues and execution lapses. Overall, Bentley needs to become a more disciplined blocker to be trusted on a pro field, but his size-speed traits and pass-catching talent are potential assets for an NFL team.” Bentley was 0 star recruit because he broke his leg on the 1st play of his senior year in High School. He then went on a two-year Church mission and forgot about football. He decided to give it another shot at Snow Junior College and became a JUCO All-American. He will be 25 when playing as a rookie in the NFL because of the Church Mission.
PICK: 202 RND: 6 (NE) Eli Heidenreich WR Navy
Brings discipline, route precision, and special‑teams potential. He is listed as a FB in the NAVY Wing T offense. His position versatility as an emergency RB / Slot Receiver/ Kickoff Returner is what makes him valuable. Grade: B
What he is good at is catching the ball. The former WR turned back ran an incredible 4.44 40 time at the combine. This week at his Pro Day, he ran a totally unbelievable 6.55 3-cone drill. Julian Edelman was one of the quickest Patriots ever, and he ran a very good 6.65 3-cone drill. Heidenriech finished his career with 109 receptions for 1,994 yards and 16 receiving touchdowns, plus 169 carries for 1,157 yards and seven rushing touchdowns. He was selected as Second-Team All-AAC wide receiver. Heidenreich’s RAS was 9.12, 4th highest from the Runningbacks group at the combine. This is what NFL Draft Scout said about Heidenreich “Tracks the deep ball with outstanding body control, adjusting mid-stride to pull in throws over his shoulder like a natural receiver despite playing the “snipe” position. Averaged over 18 yards per catch across his entire college career, and that number holds up whether you watch the tape against Tulsa or against Notre Dame. Compact, powerful frame plays bigger than his listed size; consistently falls forward on carries and absorbs contact from bigger defenders without going down easily. Genuine dual-threat ability is not a gimmick here. He carried the ball nearly 170 times in college and averaged 6.8 yards per attempt with a decisive, north-south running style. Creates separation on crossing routes with quick feet and an understanding of leverage that belies his limited route tree; defenders struggle to stay attached when he changes direction. Willing and tough as a lead blocker in Navy’s Wing-T scheme, sticking his face into defensive linemen without hesitation despite giving up significant weight in those matchups. Ball security is outstanding: just one fumble across 1,138 offensive snaps over three seasons, and his drop rate stayed remarkably low throughout his career. The intangible makeup is off the charts. A team captain, Naval Academy graduate, and future Marine officer who delivered in the biggest moments, including that fourth-and-goal catch against Army.” Most of his runs were between the Tackles. I see him as a slot receiver giving Efton Chism and Pop Douglas competition for a roster spot. Remember that Douglas, Mack Hollins and Kayshon Boutte are all entering their contract year and will be Free Agents in 2017.
PICK: 212 RND: 6 (NE) Michael Heldman DE- EDGE Central Michigan
Heldman offers pass‑rush traits worth developing at a discounted cost. He had 10.5 sacks at Central Michigan last season.
Draftgreadebook.com had this to say about Heldman … “Michael Heldman is an experienced, somewhat older EDGE with a compact, sturdy frame and NFL-caliber mass, paired with adequate/average-ish length for the position. Wingspan shorter than desired. He’s a plus athlete off the ball with high-level explosion and long strides that allow him to close space quickly. Plays with a naturally low center of gravity, very good balance, and impressive lower-half flexibility, which helps him stay controlled through contact and bend effectively around the corner. Overall, he’s an energetic, ascending rusher with legitimate athletic tools and a well-built frame for the next level. As a pass rusher, Heldman wins with a refined, finesse-based approach built on slippery, active hand usage. His rip move is a clear strength, and he consistently works to soften the edges of offensive tackles while threatening both inside and outside paths. Shows a quality crossover inside move paired with a swipe, and he does a nice job avoiding getting stuck on blocks. While he has some bend and flexibility, his game isn’t built on overwhelming power, and his bull rush is most effective when he can build momentum. When his initial move stalls, he can run out of answers at times, but his overall handwork and feel as a rusher are advanced. There are flashes on film — albeit vs. MAC competition — where his footwork and hand usage are tightly synced, giving off shades of a Bosa-style pass-rush rhythm. Against the run, Heldman competes with toughness and will hold his ground against doubles better than expected, though it’s not a defining strength. His game is built on effort, athleticism, and pass-rush nuance more than pure power or size dominance. Overall, he projects as a rotational EDGE with real sub-package pass-rush value and the type of polished hand usage and athletic profile to outplay his draft position, if his relative length deficiency doesn’t become too much of a hindrance at the next level. “
Dane Brugler writes in The Beast Draft Guide “Donning the No. 97 jersey at CMU, Heldman — with his pass-rush athleticism and aggressive hands — looked like the MAC-level version of Nick Bosa. Rushing from both a three-point stance and stand-up position, he races up the arc and mixes up his rip and chop moves to grease the corner. He has a good feel for working back underneath blockers, as well, with a motor that doesn’t have an off switch. He isn’t super long, which shows at times versus the run, but he did a much better job shedding contact in 2025 than on his junior tape. Overall, Heldman was a pleasant surprise for NFL scouts this past season. He put it all together as a senior, and the result was a consistently disruptive edge rusher who won’t look out of place in an NFL training camp.
The 6’4” 268-pound EDGE was a Team Captain. He had 47 Tackles, 16 Tackles for Loss, 2 Forced Fumbles and 4 Pass Breakups while garnering 1st Team MAC All-Conference. Heldman has the size to be 3 down player who is stout against the run.
PICK: 247 RND: 7 (NE) Adam Randall RB Clemson
While late‑round running backs are rarely guarantees, New England has historically succeeded by rotating multiple contributors at the position. Grade: B
Late‑round running back with pedigree and physical tools. Roster‑dependent, but worthwhile final dart throw.
NFL Draft Buzz wrote this about Randall. “Clemson officially moved Randall to running back in the 2025 offseason, and the switch unlocked something. He was voted a permanent team captain by his teammates and became a 13-game starter, rushing 168 times for 813 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding 36 receptions for 254 yards and three more scores. His 1,281 all-purpose yards made him one of the most productive players on the roster. He joined Travis Etienne, C.J. Spiller, and Travis Zachery as only the fourth player in program history with 750 career rushing yards and 750 career receiving yards. Off the field, Randall earned his bachelor’s degree in management in just three years and completed a master’s in athletic leadership, was named to the AFCA Good Works Team, and was a finalist for the Pop Warner Award and a semifinalist for the Wuerffel Trophy.”
His strengths, according to NFL Draft Buzz:
Dane Brugler had this to say about Randall in The Beast Draft Guide: #19 RB overall and a 7th Rd- UDFA probability. “
“A big-bodied ball carrier, Randall doesn’t have the short-area quickness or vision to sort through traffic at the line of scrimmage, but he will gash the defense with his long strides if he finds a runway. Though his taller pad level works against him, he doesn’t make it easy on tacklers and has the balance to pinball off contact. His receiving experience and toughness will help him stand out in an NFL camp, although the drops must be addressed for him to make it. Overall, Randall plays like more of an athlete than a natural running back, but he has the versatility that can be useful at the next level. If he develops in pass protection, he can earn a role as a third-down NFL back with special teams potential.”
In total, this Patriots mock draft emphasizes foundational football: strong lines, adaptable defenders, dependable offensive pieces, and roster depth. It may not generate headlines, but it reflects a pragmatic approach aimed at stabilizing the roster and creating competition at every position.
If this mock were to play out on draft weekend, it would signal that New England is playing the long game—quietly rebuilding, patiently developing, and trusting its system to turn solid prospects into reliable professionals.
This is a process‑driven Patriots draft:
It’s not flashy—but it’s the kind of draft that quietly stabilizes a roster over two to three seasons. The only reason this isn’t an A+ is because I got shut out of a top tier Pass Rusher.
The Draft is over, and the attention goes to UDFA’s, and there are several that I have my eye on.
Shad Banks LB UTSA – 6’2” 230-pounds, 4.62 40-yard dash. A small but fast LB that has Special Teams ability. Spoke with the Patriots at the Hula Bowl. His performance at the Hula Bowl got him an invite to the East-West Shrine game where he had two Special Teams tackles on the 1st two kicks.
Haynes King QB Georgia Tech – 6’3”, 215-pounds, 4.46 40-yard dash. He is a gunslinger who takes too many chances on throws. However, he can extend plays with his speed and is a threat to run at anytime. Outstanding 6.89 3-cone drill might suggest a move to WR. ACC Offensive Player of the Year with 71.9% Completion Percentage. He had 5-100 yard rushing games in 2025. Threw for 9,486 yards in his career with 65TDs to 34 INT of which 16 were thrown in 2023.
Uar Bernard DT Nigeria (IPP) – If you look up beast in the dictionary you see Bernards picture next to it. 6045 H, 306 LBs, 35 3/4″ arms, 4.66/1.60 (!!), 39″ VJ, 10’10” BJ, 31 BP reps. Freakish, but can he play football? Nobody knows because he has never actually played in a game. He came over from Africa on the International Pathways Program and has worked out in Florida for the last 10 weeks. They have taught him some drills which he did perform but he isa project that just might work out the way that Jordan Mailata did for the Eagles.
Riley Mahlman OT Wisconsin – 6’8”, 308-pounds. 5.2 40-yard dash. ThreThree-year starter at Wisconsin. Smart and tough. Always wants to make the pancake block and is smart to recognize stunts and twists. Needs improved weight and functional strength.
Delby Lemieux OC Dartmouth – 6’5” 308-pounds – played in the East- west Shrine game and appeared to hold his own. Short Arms under 32” which required him to play Center at the Shrine game. Hails from, Duxbury MA.
Joe Fagnano QB Connecticut – 6’3”, 226-pounds – Fagnano had a terrific 2025 campaign for the Huskies throwing for 3446 yards , 69% Completion percentage and 28 TDs just 1 INT.
Brett Thorsen P Georgia – Not sure he will get drafted but if he doesn’t the Patriots need to get a punter in for competition with Bryce Baringer.
Jack Stonehouse P Syracuse – 6’1″, 215 lbs, had a strong 2025 season with 59 punts for 2,780 yards (47.1 avg), a long of 64 yards, and 14 inside‑20 punts ESPN. He also recorded 6 touchbacks and 25 fair catches. His father played for the NYG and his cousin Ryan Stonehouse was a punter for Vrabel with the Titans and still kicks for TEN.
Others who have come in for Top 30 visits
Karon Prunty, CB, Wake Forest
Cyrus Allen, WR, Cincinnati
Khalil Jacobs, LB, Missouri
Jalon Daniels, QB, Kansas
Behren Morton, QB, Texas Tech
Malik Spenser, S, Michigan State
I will have one more Mock Draft the night before the Draft. This Mock will be what I think the Patriots will draft, not what I would do.
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