The New England Patriots still have some reinforcements to make at offensive tackle, edge rusher, and wide receiver in 2026. Although the team addressed several needs during last week’s free agency period, there remains work to do to bolster a roster that came just one win shy of a Super Bowl title this past season. Whether it’s adding depth at offensive tackle, securing another dynamic edge rusher, or acquiring another reliable pass-catcher for quarterback Drake Maye, New England’s front office has key decisions ahead.
With the 2026 NFL Draft over a month away (April 23), the Patriots have ample time to explore their options with the 31st overall pick in the first round. Here’s a look at who several draft experts predict New England could select with that pick:
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### ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.: Texas A&M WR KC Concepcion
The Patriots recently added former Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs, strengthening their receiving corps. Still, selecting a dynamic athlete like KC Concepcion could add another explosive weapon to the offense.
“Concepcion averaged 15.1 yards per catch last season, and he’d stretch the field for quarterback Drake Maye,” Mel Kiper wrote. “But don’t sleep on his ability to also turn quick routes into big gains. Concepcion had 449 yards after the catch last season. He’d also make an instant impact in the return game.”
At 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, Concepcion isn’t the biggest receiver, but his versatility allows him to line up both in the slot and outside. Adding to his value, he returned two punts for touchdowns last season with the Aggies.
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### CBS Sports’ Mike Renner: Georgia LB CJ Allen
If New England is seeking a long-term solution at linebacker, Mike Renner believes CJ Allen is a perfect fit for the Mike Vrabel era.
“CJ Allen is another culture fit for the Mike Vrabel-era Patriots in the first round. He’s the biggest thumper in the linebacker class and can also be a weapon as a blitzer,” Renner wrote.
Allen appeared in 13 games for Georgia in 2025, compiling 88 combined tackles, 3.5 sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss, and four pass breakups. He would bring a dynamic presence to a linebacker group currently led by Robert Spillane.
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### NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah: Ohio State DT Kayden McDonald
With stability at defensive tackle from Milton Williams and Christian Barmore, the Patriots may still want to reinforce the interior after losing Khyiris Tonga in free agency. Daniel Jeremiah suggests Kayden McDonald could fill this need.
“McDonald gives New England a run-stopping force on the interior,” Jeremiah wrote. “He can do the dirty work and let Milton Williams get up the field.”
McDonald notched 65 tackles over 14 games for the Buckeyes in 2025, proving an effective run-stuffer inside.
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### FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt: Texas A&M EDGE Cashius Howell
New England made a notable addition with Dre’Mont Jones, but with only 35 sacks in 2025—ranking near the bottom in the league—and losing K’Lavon Chaisson, improving pass rush remains a priority.
Joel Klatt believes explosive edge rusher Cashius Howell could be the answer, despite concerns about his measurements and whether he can develop into a three-down player.
“Howell’s gotten a knock for short arms. Just with [Miami EDGE Rueben] Bain, though, go watch Howell’s tape. He was incredibly productive at Texas A&M this past season, and I think Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel will love having a guy like him on his roster,” Klatt wrote.
Howell led the SEC with 11.5 sacks and recorded 41 total pressures last season, showcasing the burst and athleticism to pressure quarterbacks at the pro level.
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### The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner: Toledo S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
The Patriots bolstered their secondary by signing First Team All-Pro safety Kevin Byard to pair with Craig Woodson for the 2026 season. However, Byard, on a one-year deal, will turn 33 this August.
If New England plans ahead for safety beyond 2026, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren could be a smart long-term investment.
“One of my favorite players in the class, McNeil-Warren doesn’t have game-changing speed, but his twitch, agility and nose for the ball (at 6-3, 201 pounds) make him a tantalizing hybrid prospect,” Baumgardner wrote.
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### NBC Sports Boston’s Phil Perry: Missouri EDGE Zion Young
Another intriguing edge rusher who could be available late in the first round is Zion Young, who would fit well in a Mike Vrabel-led defense.
The 6-foot-6 defensive end recorded 42 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles over 13 games for Missouri last season, earning All-SEC first team honors.
“You don’t have to watch Young for very long to see that there is violence to his game. Both against the run and the pass, the Michigan State transfer uses whatever force he can muster with his imposing 6-foot-6, 262-pound frame to dispose of blockers and hunt down ball-carriers,” Perry said.
“He has the length (33-inch arms) and power to be able to bull-rush opposing tackles on his way to quarterbacks.
“Against the run, he uses those same traits to bully tackles and tight ends relentlessly.”
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### Yahoo Sports’ Charles McDonald: Clemson OT Blake Miller
While the Patriots plan to start next season with Will Campbell at left tackle and Morgan Moses at right tackle, there is a pressing need for depth at the position. Both Campbell struggled in the playoffs, and Moses is 35 years old.
Selecting a strong tackle prospect like Blake Miller could address this issue, potentially positioning him as Moses’ successor in 2027 and beyond.
“As they showed throughout the playoffs, the Patriots’ offense still has a ways to go in terms of talent acquisition to stand tall against the best defenses in the league,” McDonald wrote.
“To be fair, the Patriots had a top-five draft pick in the same season they made the Super Bowl, which highlights the overall lack of high-end talent, particularly on the offensive line.
“They can start to fix that with the selection of Miller, another gigantic, athletic tackle in this draft class.”
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The 2026 draft offers the Patriots significant opportunities to address key roster needs and build on their impressive run last season. Whether they prioritize dynamic playmakers on offense, disruptive forces on defense, or long-term depth, New England’s decision with the 31st overall pick will be crucial to their championship aspirations.
https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2026/03/18/new-england-patriots-2026-nfl-draft-mock-roundup-first-round-31st-zion-young-blake-miller/