Patriots 2026 NFL Draft Big Board.

The Patriots have another draft on the horizon and with less than a month away from pick 31, I decided it was time to do a full round by round prospect list for players that could be of use. The draft ranking is updated  from the original list done in February.

Give or take every positional group ADP since February 22 to April 5th has changed by the following:

WR: -12.54

Tackle: +6.70

Edge: -36.83

LB: +19.15

TE: +5.45

D-Line: +76.13

Safety: -5.71

IOL: +18.30

Corner: +1.11

RB: -60.37

Punter: +61.99

Passer: +1.71

IDL: -12.36

Kicker: +71.15

FB/H-Back: 0

Team needs ranked as of April 1st

• T – first

• ED, WR – third

• LB – fourth 

• TE, DL, S – fifth 

• IOL – eight (Depth)

• CB – ninth (outside)

• RB – tenth (Brandon Bolden rotation type)

• P – eleventh 

• OT (Swing) – twelveth 

• IDL, DT, NT – fourteenth (depth and rotational starter)

The Patriots Draft Pick Breakdown (2026):

Round 1: 32, Round 2: 33-64, Round 3: 65-100, Round 4: 101-140, Round 5: 141-181, Round 6: 182-216, Round 7: 217-257.

Round 1: 1 (Pick 31)

Round 2: 1 (Pick 63)

Round 3: 1 (Pick 95)

Round 4: 2 (Picks 125, 131)

Round 5: 1 (Pick 171)

Round 6: 4 (Picks 191, 198, 202, 212)

Round 7: 1 (Pick 247) 

Here is the NFL draft picks point chart

Click the players name to be taken to their draft profile, for rounds 1-4, I stopped because the source didn't produce that entire round. Across my seven rounds and the UDFA section, roughly a dozen prospects have appeared in consensus mock drafts as possible Patriots targets or strong fits. With the draft and post-draft UDFA signings, I’d be surprised if New England doesn’t sign at least one player from this board to some form of contract. It’s been a few years since one of my big boards didn’t produce at least one future Patriot.

Round 1

6.15 - David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech

7.65 - Sonny Styles, Linebacker, Ohio State

22.4 - Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M

23.25 - Monroe Freeling, Tackle, Georgia

25.1 - Caleb Banks, D-Line, Florida

25.2 - Kayden McDonald, IDL, Ohio State

25.65 - Denzel Boston, WR, Washington 

28.55 - Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Safety, Toledo

Round 2

35 - Lee Hunter, IDL, Texas Tech

35.85 - Christen Miller, D-Line, Georgia

39.2 - Max Iheanachor, Tackle, Arizona State

39.7 - Blake Miller, Tackle, Clemson

40.55 - Chris Bell, WR, Louisville

43.85 - R Mason Thomas, Edge, Oklahoma

55.75 - Jake Golday, Linebacker, Cincinnati

60.85 - Anthony Hill Jr., Linebacker, Texas

62.2 - Derrick Moore, Edge, Michigan

Round 3

65.25 - Josiah Trotter, Linebacker, Missouri

67.2 - Jacob Rodriguez, Linebacker, Texas Tech

68.75 - Gennings Dunker, Tackle, Iowa

69.15 - Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana

69.7 - Domonique Orange, IDL, Iowa State

71.4 - Brian Parker II, Tackle, Duke

72.1 - LT Overton, Edge, Alabama

83.1 - Darrell Jackson Jr., IDL, Florida State

84.55 - Treydan Stukes, Corner, Arizona

86.3 - Devin Moore, Corner, Florida

87.65 - Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU

89.5 - Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame

90.55 - Keyron Crawford, Edge, Auburn

97.55 - Davison Igbinosun, Corner, Ohio State

97.9 - Zakee Wheatley, Safety, Penn State

98.05 - Genesis Smith, Safety, Arizona

98.55 - Sam Roush, Tight End, Stanford

Round 4

102.1 - Jaishawn Barham, Edge, Michigan

107.7 - Carson Beck, QB, Miami

110.8 - De'Zhaun Stribling, WR, Mississippi

111.05 - Bryce Lance, WR, ND State

113.35 - Bud Clark, Safety, TCU

114.45 - Justin Joly, FB/H-Back, N.C. State

114.6 - Mike Washington Jr., Running Back, Arkansas

115.5 - Seth McGowan, Running Back, Kentucky

117.95 - Keyshaun Elliott, Linebacker, Arizona State

119.55 - Drew Allar, QB, Penn State

130.15 - Marlin Klein, Tight End, Michigan

131.7 - Nicholas Singleton, Running Back, Penn State

133.35 - Jager Burton, IOL, Kentucky

137.95 - Eric McAlister, WR, TCU

137.85 - Jalon Kilgore, Corner, South Carolina

Round 5

140.4 - Isaiah World, Tackle, Oregon

141.5 - Dametrious Crownover, Tackle, Texas A&M

150.4 - Joe Royer, Tight End, Cincinnati

151 - Tacario Davis, Corner, Washington

151.45 - Eli Raridon, Tight End, Notre Dame

151.6 - Jimmori Robinson, Edge, West Virginia

153.5 - Julian Neal, Corner, Arkansas

154.5 - Caleb Fauria, Tight End, Delaware

155.25 - Al-Jay Henderson, Running Back, Buffalo

156.55 - Zxavian Harris, IDL, Ole Miss

157 - Miles Capers, Edge, Vanderbilt

158.8 - Ar'maj Reed-Adams, IOL, Texas A&M

162.3 - Ryan Mosesso, Tackle, UMass

162.4 - Trey Zuhn III, Tackle, Texas A&M

163.05 - Rayshaun Benny, D-Line, Michigan

168.95 - Trey Moore, Linebacker, Texas

172.2 - Drew Shelton, Tackle, Penn State

175.55 - Pat Coogan, IOL, Indiana

177.65 - Mason Murphy, Tackle, Auburn

Round 6

179.2 - Ka'ena Decambra, IOL, Arizona

182.7 - Ephesians Prysock, Corner, Washington

183.85 - Mason Randolph, IOL, Boise State

185 - Miles Kitselman, Tight End, Tennessee

185.15 - Alan Herron, Tackle, Maryland

185.35 - Jeff Caldwell, WR, Cincinnati

185.85 - Caleb Douglas, WR, Texas Tech

187.05 - Tanner Koziol, Tight End, Houston

190.4 - Chase Roberts, WR, BYU

191.9 - Cole Brevard, IDL, Texas

193.7 - John Michael Gyllenborg, Tight End, Wyoming

194.65 - Red Murdock, Linebacker, Buffalo

196.2 - Josh Cameron, WR, Baylor

196.8 - Kam Olds, Edge, Kentucky

198.5 - Cole Wisniewski, Safety, Texas Tech

201.25 - Shyheim Brown, Safety, Florida State

207.4 - Mo Westmoreland, Edge, Tulane

209.8 - Weylin Lapuaho, IOL, BYU

213.2 - Micah Morris, IOL, Georgia

213.5 - Enrique Cruz Jr., Tackle, Kansas

214 - Xavier Nwankpa, Safety, Iowa

215.75 - Andre Fuller, Corner, Toledo

216 - Dane Key, WR, Nebraska

216.2 - Desmond Purnell, Linebacker, Kansas State

Round 7

217.25 - Domani Jackson, Corner, Alabama

222.2 - Eli Heidenreich, Running Back, Navy

222.3 - Colbie Young, WR, Georgia

223.55 - Kam Dewberry, IOL, Alabama

223.65 - Stephen Hall, Corner, Missouri

223.85 - Roman Hemby, Running Back, Indiana

224.85 - Febechi Nwaiwu, IOL, Oklahoma

225.15 - Trevor Brock, Tackle, Buffalo

226.15 - J. Michael Sturdivant, WR, Florida

228.25 - Max Bredeson, FB/H-Back, Michigan

230.45 - VJ Payne, Safety, Kansas State

230.9 - Jack Velling, Tight End, Michigan State

232.45 - Jakobe Thomas, Safety, Miami

234.7 - Deven Eastern, IDL, Minnesota

235.5 - Luke Altmyer, QB, Illinois

235.95 - Fa'alili Fa'amoe, Tackle, Wake Forest

237.15 - Haynes King, QB, Georgia Tech

237.25 - Cole Payton, QB, ND State

240.15 - James Thompson Jr., D-Line, Illinois

241.15 - Riley Nowakowski, FB/H-Back, Indiana

241.46 - Jack Stonehouse, Punter, Syracuse

241.5 - Damonic Williams, D-Line, Oklahoma

242.1 - Ryan Eckley, Punter, Michigan State

242.35 - Lander Barton, Linebacker, Utah

243.25 - Dominic Zvada, Kicker, Michigan

243.35 - Bryson Eason, D-Line, Tennessee

243.7 - Bobby Jamison-Travis, IDL, Auburn

243.7 - Jimmy Rolder, Linebacker, Michigan

244.9 - Matt Gulbin, IOL, Michigan State

245.4 - Joshua Braun, IOL, Kentucky

245.9 - Jeadyn Lukus, Corner, Clemson

246.5 - Adam Randall, Running Back, Clemson

247.3 - Ahmari Harvey, Corner, Georgia Tech

247.35 - Dean Connors, Running Back, Houston

248.7 - Chip Trayanum, Running Back, Toledo

248.7 - Trey Smack, Kicker, Florida

249.4 - Micah Pettus, Tackle, Florida State

249.9 - DeShon Singleton, Safety, Nebraska

250.05 - Kendal Daniels, Safety, Oklahoma

250.6 - Tomas Rimac, IOL, Virginia Tech

251.4 - Riley Mahlman, Tackle, Wisconsin

251.5 - Keagen Trost, Tackle, Missouri

253.95 - Will Kacmarek, Tight End, Ohio State

254.05 - Carsen Ryan, Tight End, BYU

254.15 - Logan Taylor, IOL, Boston College

254.75 - Jaden Dugger, Linebacker, Louisiana

255.75 - Keeshawn Silver, IDL, USC

256.25 - Gary Smith III, IDL, UCLA

256.75 - Alex Harkey, Tackle, Oregon

257.65 - Cameron Ball, IDL, Arkansas

258 - Matthew Hibner, Tight End, SMU

258.85 - Donaven McCulley, WR, Michigan

259.9 - Jalen Huskey, Safety, Maryland

262.6 - Jack Kelly, Linebacker, BYU

268.6 - Kansei Matsuzawa, Kicker, Hawaii

464.15 - Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss

492.86 - Peter Manuma, Safety, Hawaii

UDFA-Camp Invites

501 - Wynden Ho'ohuli, Linebacker, Hawaii

509.55 - Kuao Peihopa, IOL, Hawaii

519.51 - Jamar Sekona, IDL, Hawaii

533.55 - Zhen Sotelo, IOL, Hawaii

545.87 - Justin Sinclair, Safety, Hawaii

548 - Nick Cenacle, WR, Hawaii

553.48 - Lucas Borrow, Punter, Hawaii

567.71 - Devyn King, Corner, Hawaii

581.29 - Christian Vaughn, Running Back, Hawaii

591.69 - Edwards Li Videl, Corner, Hawaii

593.51 - De'Jon Benton, IDL, Hawaii

642.04 - Tariq Jones, D-Line, Hawaii

674.44 - James Milovale, Tackle, Hawaii

686 - Jalen Smith, Linebacker, Hawaii

696.85 - Kilinahe Mendiola-Jensen, Safety, Hawaii

970 - Jackie Johnson III, Edge, Hawaii

983.09 - David Cordero, Running Back, Hawaii

983.19 - Landon Sims, Running Back, Hawaii

985.15 - Truman Werremeyer, FB/H-Back, North Dakota State

986 - Giovanni Iovino, Linebacker, Hawaii

987.67 - Jaheim Wilson-Jones, Corner, Hawaii

992 - Carsen Stocklinski, IDL, Hawaii

992 - Qwyn Williams, IDL, Hawaii

I put together a list of what I saw as team fits based on needs. The list grows towards the middle rounds. However, that's where I think the Patriots are really gonna do damage. Also, shout out to Steelers Depot. Their draft profiles are usually on point. I expect Kansei Matsuzawa from Hawaii to make a roster this season and one or two could be udfa practice squad players for the Patriots.

THE THREE DOWN DIME: WIDE EAGLE BEAR 5-0 / 3-2-6

WHAT THE DEFENSE IS

The Three Down Dime is a 3-2-6 personnel structure that presents as a 5-0 front and operates as a base defense across all three downs plus special teams. It is not a situational package. It is the base defense for the game that is actually being played.

Personnel Grouping:

- 1 NT (0-tech, two-gap, both A-gaps)

- 2 DTs (3i through 4-tech, both lining up between tackle and guard on each side of the NT, both playing 3i and 4-tech interchangeably depending on call, formation, and offensive tendency)

- 2 Edge/LBs (5 through 7-tech, pass rush and coverage capable)

- 2 Outside Corners (press-man primary)

- 1 FS (single-high)

- 2 Rover/Box SSs

- 1 Robber/Box SS

Total: 11 players. Zero traditional linebackers. Six defensive backs. A dime defense operating as a base.

The Wide Eagle refers to the wide alignment of the Edge/LBs outside the tackles, creating a five-man front appearance. The Bear refers to the NT controlling both A-gaps in the tradition of the Chicago Bears' historic Bear front. The 5-0 designation reflects five players on or near the line of scrimmage with zero traditional linebackers. The 3-2-6 reflects the underlying personnel reality: three interior linemen, two hybrid edges, six DBs.

HOW THE DEFENSE IS BUILT

The construction methodology is the genuine innovation separating this defense from every existing implementation in the literature.

Step one is scheme definition before player evaluation. Every positional role is defined by its specific function within the collective system before a single player is evaluated. The NT role, each DT role, each Edge/LB role, and each of the three distinct SS roles are defined separately because Robber and the two Rovers are three different jobs wearing the same position label.

Step two is analytics filter by position. Each role generates its own specific metric requirements derived from what that role does within this scheme, not generic positional grades.

For the NT: double-team draw rate, two-gap stop rate, point-of-attack holding ability. Single-coverage win rate is secondary because the job is gap control and block absorption.

For both DTs: single-coverage pass rush win rate combined with high double-team draw frequency. Both filters simultaneously. A player who wins singles but draws no doubles is stat-padding against inferior competition. A player who draws doubles but does not win singles becomes a liability when singled. The combination is required. When all three interior linemen meet this combined filter, the offense faces an impossible blocking math problem before the snap. Both DTs carry identical analytical requirements because both play 3i and 4-tech interchangeably. They are the same role deployed on each side of the NT, not specialists differentiated by technique.

For the Edge/LBs: pass rush win rate against tackles singled, zone coverage grade, man coverage rate against TEs and backs. The hybrid grade, not pure pass rush and not pure coverage, but the intersection of both.

For the outside corners: press-man specific metrics, not zone metrics.

For the FS: single-high coverage grades, range metrics, processing and communication indicators.

For the Robber/Box SS: intermediate zone coverage grades, run-stop rate, QB-eye-reading instincts.

For the Rover/Box SSs: versatility grades across multiple alignments, man coverage rate against slots, blitz effectiveness rate. Players other teams cannot cleanly classify. That unclassifiability is the target trait.

Step three is scouting within the qualified pool. Analytics builds the universe. Scouting closes the evaluation. Technique, instincts, processing speed, and how players win determine selection within each pool. The most talented player who fits the scheme-specific metrics gets the role.

This process eliminates draft board groupthink, positional inflation, and roster incoherence simultaneously. Every player on the field was selected through the same scheme-first filter. No individual player is doing something impossible. The emergent properties come from eleven players each executing their specific function within a structure whose pieces were selected to interlock.

HOW THE DEFENSE FUNCTIONS

The Wall and Spill.

The NT at 0-tech controls both A-gaps and demands a double from the center plus one guard. Both DTs, playing 3i through 4-tech interchangeably on each side of the NT, control the B and C gaps and draw double-team attention from the remaining guards and tackles. Three interior linemen account for all interior gaps while demanding doubles at high rates. This forces the offense to need five OL plus a TE to manage the interior. That TE is no longer a route runner. The route combination loses a body before the snap.

The Edge/LBs use squeeze technique to force runs outside. Once outside, the Rover/Box SSs running downhill from depth and the Robber/Box SS have angles in space. The ball is funneled to where the defense has speed advantages.

The disguised 8-man box.

Against 11 personnel the defense shows six DBs. The offense reads dime and adjusts. Post-snap the two Rover/Box SSs fold into the box from depth, the Robber/Box SS fills from his alignment, and eight defenders converge at the point of attack. The offense has already committed to its blocking assignment based on a pre-snap read that was deliberately constructed to mislead.

The blocking math problem.

Against empty the offense has removed the TE that was chipping the Edge/LBs. The interior three are still winning 70-plus percent in singles. Five OL against that interior means at minimum one free or near-free rusher from the interior before the edges are even accounted for. The Edge/LBs are now single covered against tackles with no chip help. If both edges rush, that is five rushers against five blockers with interior already winning. If one drops, that is six coverage-capable defenders and four rushers with a built-in free or contested block. If both drop, that is eight coverage defenders and interior pressure still arriving structurally. No formation choice produces a good outcome for the offense.

The Mike problem.

In a traditional defense the Mike is easy to identify. He stands in the same place on every play. The center points to him, the line adjusts, and protection is set. In the Three Down Dime there is no Mike. The two Rover/Box SSs could be linebackers, blitzers, or dropping into coverage. The Edge/LBs could be edge rushers or dropping into flats and hook zones. The Robber/Box SS could be blitzing an A-gap or sitting in the intermediate throwing lane. The offense cannot identify the Mike because the Mike does not exist in a static form. This is not manufactured by the play call. It is built into the roster.

RPO destruction.

RPOs exploit the conflict between run-fit defenders and coverage defenders. They work because linebackers trigger on run fakes and vacate throwing lanes. This defense has no traditional linebackers to trigger. The Rover/Box SSs read QB eyes and offensive line movement simultaneously. They are fast enough to defend both options at once. The Robber/Box SS occupies the intermediate throwing lanes that RPO passes target. There is no run-pass conflict to exploit because the personnel cannot be put in conflict the way RPO design assumes.

Front multiplicity from one personnel package.

Without substituting a single player the defense can present a 5-0-6 look with all five down, a 3-2-6 look with both Edge/LBs standing up, a 6-1-4 look with a Rover creeping to the line, or a 7-0-4 look threatening an all-out pressure. The offense cannot confirm what is coming until the snap. The protection has already been set on a read that was wrong.

THE PROBLEMS WITH THE DEFENSE

The NT is non-negotiable and scarce. Everything downstream depends on the NT commanding a double and still controlling both A-gaps. If the NT is displaced vertically, the DTs receive combo blocks climbing to the second level, the Edge/LBs lose their one-on-one advantages, and the Rover run fits become contested instead of free. The entire pressure math collapses at one position. The NFL market for true two-gap zero-tech NTs who simultaneously draw doubles at high rates is extremely thin.

Three rare archetypes simultaneously. The NT, the Edge/LB hybrids, and the Rover/Box SSs are all underproduced in the NFL pipeline. The market inefficiency that makes this scheme financially efficient in construction is also the personnel scarcity that makes it organizationally difficult to build completely. It can be drafted for systematically over multiple cycles. It cannot be assembled through free agency quickly.

Sustained heavy personnel creates wear. Modern offenses do not stay in heavy personnel because it eliminates their tempo and constraint advantages. But a team committed to 12 or 21 personnel on consecutive drives with a dominant offensive line can wear on lighter box defenders. Walking a Rover or the Robber down adds size but modifies the coverage structure that makes the secondary threatening. Not a fatal flaw. A constraint requiring specific game-planning.

Play-action vertical shots against single-high. The FS covers the entire deep middle alone. If the FS processes a run fake incorrectly or the outside corners lose phase in man coverage, post and corner routes are the clearest path to explosive plays. Two-high rotation on obvious play-action downs mitigates this but requires the FS and Rovers to read formation tendencies accurately pre-snap.

Elite offensive line play is a universal stress. If the center and guards consistently win their individual matchups against the NT and DTs, the interior wall does not form and the pressure math stops working. The analytics filter selects the best available players at those roles. It cannot guarantee dominance against the best offensive lines on every snap.

Complexity demands consistent communication. The pre-snap disguise functions only if all eleven players execute the same deception simultaneously. One player in the wrong alignment breaks the picture the offense is reading. The margin for error is narrow because the scheme's advantage lives in ambiguity, and ambiguity requires precision to maintain.

WHY IT IS STILL THE WAY FORWARD

The problems are real but they define operational constraints, not structural failures.

The NT scarcity is a personnel acquisition challenge, not a scheme flaw. The analytics-first methodology creates a different player pool than conventional scouting. The NT equivalent gets found not as a top draft pick graded by traditional standards but as a player whose specific metrics match the scheme requirements and who other teams passed on because he did not fit conventional positional templates. That is the market inefficiency. Belichick built a dynasty on exactly this logic.

The heavy personnel vulnerability is self-limiting for the offense. An offense committing to 12 or 21 personnel for an entire game to attack this defense has also abandoned spread formations, RPOs, tempo, and the matchup advantages that define modern offensive design. They have chosen to play a slower, more physical game. That is a concession, not a counter.

The play-action single-high risk is the universal cost of single-high coverage. Every defense that plays single-high accepts this. The mitigation in this scheme is structural. If the interior is winning at 70-plus percent, the QB's window to throw the deep post closes before the route fully develops. The pass rush collapses the exploitation window.

The fundamental case for this defense as the way forward is structural. NFL offenses operate from 11 personnel on 60 to 80 percent of snaps. Traditional base defenses built for 21 and 22 personnel are defending a game that no longer exists at scale. Every traditional defense is substituting into dime to match modern offenses. This defense starts where they end up. Every heavy personnel adjustment is made from this base outward, not the reverse.

WHY DISGUISE IS THE MULTIPLIER

Disguise in this scheme is not a stylistic addition or a play-call feature. It is a structural property that emerges from the personnel construction itself.

Every other three-high or dime-base scheme in the existing literature achieves disguise through alignment movement: walking players around pre-snap, mugging linebackers, rotating safeties post-snap. The disguise is the scheme calling the disguise.

In the Three Down Dime the disguise exists because the roster contains players who cannot be classified by the offense pre-snap. The Rover/Box SSs are not safeties performing predictable safety assignments. They are athletes whose individual capability profiles span linebacker, safety, slot corner, and edge rusher simultaneously. The Edge/LBs are not defensive ends or outside linebackers. They are hybrids whose rush-and-coverage duality cannot be resolved by the offense before the snap.

The QB's pre-snap identification process works when positions correspond to predictable assignments. When the center points to the Mike, protection sets because the Mike's alignment predicts his assignment. When a Rover/Box SS aligns in the box, the center cannot confirm whether he is the Mike, a blitzer, or a coverage player because his capability profile does not allow that confirmation. The ambiguity is built into the player, not manufactured by the play call.

This is what the literature documents when describing the Flores Vikings creating the highest blitz rate by volume while Flores himself clarified they were not blitzing. They were using alignment and their base five-man front to create one-on-one matchups. The offense reads blitz. The defense plays base. The gap between what the offense reads and what the defense actually runs is the source of pressure without extra rushers.

The Three Down Dime systematizes this property across all eleven positions simultaneously. Not one hybrid player creating confusion. Eleven players whose individual capability profiles each contain multiple plausible assignments, making pre-snap identification structurally impossible across the entire formation.

SOURCES: THIS CONCEPT IS NOT WITHOUT PRECEDENT

Belichick and the Patriots documented the foundational path. By 2020 the Patriots were playing dime on nearly 40 percent of plays as their de facto base, playing zero snaps of traditional base defense in the first four games of the season. They held the Chiefs to 94 rushing yards despite playing every snap with six or more defensive backs, proving run defense integrity of the dime structure when the interior line is constructed correctly. The Patriots led the league in Big Nickel usage and put three safeties on the field on over 60 percent of snaps in 2022, at points rostering seven safeties. The documented philosophy: the key to holding up against the run with light personnel is a block-eating defensive line keeping smaller second-level defenders clean. That is the NT and DT philosophy of this scheme operating at NFL scale.

Brian Flores and the Vikings proved the pressure architecture works under modern conditions. Flores incorporated a version of the defense popularized at the college level by Pittsburgh coach Pat Narduzzi, combining a six-man front with zone coverage behind it. The Vikings led the NFL in zone coverage frequency at 69 percent while simultaneously having the league's highest rates in both blitzes and three-man rushes, using personnel groupings that complicate blocking schemes and reduce the offensive play menu. [vikings](https://www.vikings.com/news/espn-deep-dive-brian-flores-innovations-with-defense) For most defensive snaps the Vikings had six or seven defenders on the line of scrimmage, creating massive stress on offenses, forcing them to run into loaded boxes or compromise their protections. [matchquarters](https://www.matchquarters.com/p/brian-flores-vikings-defensive-scheme-breakdown-6-1-defense-red-zone) Flores himself pointed out they were not pressuring per se but using alignment and their base five-man front to create one-on-one matchups.

The Big 12 college landscape validated the base dime concept years before NFL adoption. By 2019 the Big 12 transition to base dime was evident, with most teams fielding at least five DBs and several running true six-DB looks as their base structure rather than a situational package. [sportstreatise](https://sportstreatise.com/2019/08/dime-is-base-in-2019s-big-12/) Iowa State under Heacock and Campbell made a deliberate structural decision in spring 2017 to run the Odd Stack from a three-safety shell, specifically modifying it to use Tampa-style principles with the middle safety fitting the run from depth. [matchquarters](https://www.matchquarters.com/p/three-high-defense-evolution-counters-iowa-state-kansas-state)

The 3-2-6 specifically has documented precedent at multiple levels. The 3-2-6 is a recognition that the 3-4 is not optimal for defending spread offenses and the expansion of a dime package into a base defense. Texas embraced it when spread offenses did not have a great answer for two-robber coverage and when four safeties provided more versatile athletes than specialists. [sportstreatise](https://sportstreatise.com/2018/02/a-glossary-of-modern-defensive-formations-pt-iii/)

Oregon under Lanning represents the current NFL-adjacent implementation. Lanning modernized the Mint Front into a 4-down 3-high safety structure with specific run fit rules and coverage rotations built into the system rather than called situationally. [matchquarters](https://www.matchquarters.com/p/oregon-mint-3-high-system-run-fits-coverage) Still a four-down structure. Still arriving at three-high from the secondary side rather than from interior construction logic.

What the literature does not contain is the specific methodology: scheme defined first, positional metric filters derived from scheme requirements, analytics building position-specific pools, scouting closing within those pools, and the collective interior analytics selection combining single-coverage win rate with double-team draw frequency as the load-bearing foundation that makes the entire superstructure viable. The pieces exist across the literature. The integrated system with the analytics-first roster construction methodology does not exist anywhere else.

BOTTOM LINE

Belichick proved the run integrity of dime personnel when the interior is constructed correctly. Flores proved the pressure architecture at NFL level. The Big 12 proved the base dime concept years ahead of the NFL. Oregon proved the three-safety structure in the modern spread era. Texas proved the 3-2-6 specifically. Nobody has published the complete system with the interior analytics construction as its foundation and the three distinct SS roles as its coverage engine.

The Three Down Dime is not a gimmick. It is not a situational package. It is the base defense for the game that is actually being played, built by a methodology no franchise has formally codified, validated by two decades of evidence from the most successful defensive coach in NFL history and the most innovative defensive coordinator currently working.

The players exist. The evidence exists. The methodology is documented here. It's analytically possible to construct. Why is it not more prevalent in the NFL?

Patriots Meet With Over 10 Percent Of My 2026 Patriots Draft Big Board

The Patriots have met with prospects prior to the 2026 NFL draft. They have met with over ten percent of my Big Board for them. Now, although they were in proximity to many other prospects from my boards according to the Patriots Pulpit staff, realistically, they had the opportunity to meet with any of the prospects in this year's draft, so I am not going to include those names. Here are the prospects from my list that they met with and everyone is not only a need but a fit. This list is not solely from top 30 visits.

Before I list. I didn't want to flood the list with Steeler Depot scouting reports but if they have one on any of these players, I have found over the years that they tend to know what they're talking about, more so then some other publications, so check them out. Also, when looking at who the patriots meet with, you have to truly understand the philosophy behind roster construction from the draft portion.

Quarterback:

Haynes King, Georgia Tech

Cole Payton, North Dakota State

These are potential long term backups. They're athletic enough to be playmakers but aren't projected to be anything more than a spot starter at best.

Receiver:

De'Zhaun Stribling, Ole Miss

J. Michael Sturdivant, Florida

These are field stretchers, someone Maye can launch the ball to. Early on they'll be rotational guys but they have potential to develop into the team's X.

Offensive Linemen

Brian Parker II, Duke

While listed as a tackle, he's projected as an interior player. They Patriots under Vrabel, don't appear to care about measurable when it comes to the position, instead looking at ability. So I don't know where they see him.

Edge

Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma

Keyron Crawford, Auburn

These edges are more versatile than being given credit for. While Vrable and the Patriots seem egor to continue ro run a big nickel, these are guys that could help them run a heavy (4) safety 3-2-6 three down dime successfully.

Interior Defensive Line 

Kayden McDonald, Ohio State

Rayshaun Benny, Michigan

Show the ability to disrupt the pocket or be versatile, that is what you see here. One guy isn't gonna be flashy but he's gonna force the quarterback to move, the other is gonna come from anywhere. Two different styles, both fill needs.

Linebacker

Jimmy Rolder, Michigan

Another versatile linebacker that can help build a 3-2-6 safety heavy three down dime. The Patriots clearly have a type, even if they're planning on running the wrong money formation. 

Tight End

Eli Raridon, Notre Dame

John Michael Gyllenborg, Wyoming

While versatile, I think these are guys the Patriots would try to develop into an inline tight end, while they have Henry under contract. So that way they could have a complete tight end weapon. These are guys you're looking more at year 2 production.

Corner

Andre Fuller, Toledo

He's a developmental depth piece that can contribute in multiple phases. He shouldn't be asked to start early but he can come in when needed as a rotational guys early on the outside. This is someone to solidify the depth chart that one hopes can develop into a starter.

Safety

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

Zakee Wheatley, Penn State

These aren't just run stopping safeties, they can play everywhere. And allow for the Patriots to disguise who is gonna be the free single high safety. While they're not a star in any area, their holes are few in their games. 

Running Back 

Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas

Adam Randall, Clemson

These are pass catching, every down committee backs. That can play on special teams. A better or worse version of Brandon Bolden. Classic JMD style players that should give the team what it needs, so that Henderson can slide into that Kevin Faulk, James White role.

19 total matches so far is not bad, and they could add to this list as they have over half of their top 30 visits remaining. I have a good list of prospects but this shows the Patriots are at least partially on board with how I see their needs and fits. These players aren't about getting stars, they're about continuing getting parts and allowing them to do what they do best. If that is the continued mentality of the roster building, then everything they do will come down to scouting and player development, and cannot be put on the players they bring in. Fans will need to direct any criticisms to the proper areas.

I want to say this, if I am correct, the Patriots board is probably only holding a quarter to two-fifth of the projected top 100 prospects, while majority of the board will be prospects projected from rounds three thru five. I'd bet the board is like 150 concensus mid round prospects, up to 40 top 100 prospects, and maybe 80 to 100 concensus and non concensus late round and UDFA prospects realistically, and there's only about 1,000 prospects annually worthy of being a UDFA - practice squad member or better.

2026 Free Agent Options At Receiver

In the 2022 NFL draft, there were a handful of players I wanted the Patriots to draft. Jerreth Sterns out of Kentucky (out of the NFL), and current free agents Jahan Dotson and  Romeo Dobbs. Sterns getting a workout with McDaniels isn't likely to happen but the other two would allow the Patriots to draft a developmental number one. Here's a refresher on Dotson and Dobbs.

Jahan Dotson | WR | Philadelphia Eagles → 2026 Free Agent
Height: 5'11" | Weight: 184 lbs | Draft: 2022, Round 1, Pick 16 (Washington Commanders) | Alignment Type: Slot / Z

Dotson was originally drafted by Washington, then traded to Philadelphia in 2024, where he operated as a depth piece behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, earning a Super Bowl ring in a limited role. The production is thin by volume: 19 receptions for 219 yards in 2024, followed by 18 receptions for 262 yards in 2025. But context is everything. He has never once been given a genuine role as a featured option. Every snap of his career has come in a system that had no obligation to feed him. His career arc has been defined more by flashes than consistency, but that's a product of opportunity deprivation, not inability.

Strengths: Elite hands with a large catch radius for his size; polished route runner with strong understanding of tempo and leverage; 4.43 speed allows him to threaten vertically from the Z alignment and avoid press at the line. Capable of acrobatic, contested catches when targeted.

Weaknesses: Undersized frame is a recurring liability against physical man coverage. 121 career receptions and 1,519 receiving yards across four seasons, the career numbers are what they are, and there is legitimate uncertainty about whether his production in a featured role would justify first-round expectations.

Role Projection: His floor is a high-end WR3 and his expectation is a legitimate WR2. He has the route-running IQ, hands, and speed to be a reliable second option in a structured passing offense with spacing and timing built in. His ceiling depends entirely on finally receiving consistent targets and a defined role, neither of which he's had since entering the league. At 25 years old, there's still time to find out.

Romeo Doubs | WR | Green Bay Packers → 2026 Free Agent
Height: 6'2" | Weight: 204 bs | Draft: 2022, Round 4, Pick 132 (Green Bay Packers) | Alignment Type: X / Z

Doubs led the Packers in receptions, targets, and receiving yards in 2025, 55 catches for 724 yards and six touchdowns on 85 targets, yet still won't be retained, due to a crowded receiver room that includes Watson, Reed, Wicks, and Golden.  He isn't leaving because he underperformed. He's leaving because Green Bay can get younger and cheaper behind him. His postseason exit was emphatic: eight catches for 124 yards and a touchdown in the Wild Card loss to Chicago, leading the Packers in every receiving category on the night. He is tied for the most career touchdown receptions among all receivers from the 2022 draft class, and became one of only three players in Packers franchise history to reach at least 40 catches, 400 yards, and three touchdowns in each of his first three seasons. The drop issues that followed him early in his career are real but trending in the right direction. He also recorded a career-high 12 receptions of 20-plus yards in 2025.

A legitimate concern worth flagging: San Francisco has already been linked to Doubs as the legal tampering window opens, which means New England isn't the only team that's noticed what he is. The market is real.

Strengths: Exceptional ball-tracking and body control; reliable in contested catch situations; consistent red-zone producer; size and stride length let him win against off-coverage on the perimeter. 202 career receptions, 2,424 yards, and 21 touchdowns in four seasons from a fourth-round pick is legitimate value.

Weaknesses: Limited YAC ability, he wins at the catch point, not beyond it. Green Bay's system spread targets across multiple receivers and lean heavily on the run game, so his true ceiling as a featured receiver remains untested.

Role Projection: His floor is a high-end WR2. His expectation is a bottom-tier WR1, he has the size, production, and red-zone reliability to function as a team's primary receiver, but without elite separation or YAC upside he profiles best alongside a strong supporting cast rather than carrying an offense alone. At 25 years old entering free agency, his best football is arguably still ahead of him.

As for Sterns, he's a pure slot guy like Edelman, Welker, and Amendola. He spent his rookie off-season with the buccaneers. Didn't make the team,  got signed in release by the Rams at the end of the 2022 season. And has been tearing it up in the CFL since. It's doubtful Winnipeg will let him out of his contract signed in February. 

The 350 Pound Anchor Nose Tackle Isn't Obsolete, Your Understanding Of Defense Is Misguided.

It's combine weekend, and I'm hearing things I know are false. Don't tell me the zero/two-gap nose tackle that pushes the center into the quarterback and becomes both A gaps is obsolete. That is a clear lapse of imagination, and the problem with modern football at the college and pro level. The line should have three interior linemen, and I'll explain.

The nose tackle should be a zero or zero-one technique. You're looking for the anchor that requires double if not triple coverage, who can push the center into the backfield/quarterback. The double-team rate can be found without looking at tape, which helps narrow the field of players that require film on. He's forcing the quarterback to leave the pocket and denying runs up the middle. Since the quarterback will have to leave the pocket, it makes direction easy, spot the ball and chase it down.

The sides of the nose tackle are where teams mess up. Most teams would assume you're playing a 3-4 defense with a nose tackle like that, that is wrong. An A-gap-penetrating DT should be on both sides of the NT. One who can play a 4I and 3 technique, one who can play a 2 and 2I, but at minimum the 4I and 3 are required. This player must crash through the B gap while shoving the guard into the A gap, and this should be done on both sides of the nose tackle while pursuing whoever has the ball. This is another player you're going to start with double-team requirements.

If scouting is done correctly, there is no longer an A gap, and the offense will have a defender coming through the B gap. And if all three of those men require double teams against non-elite offensive linemen, that means a 6th and 7th blocker will be needed to stay in.

This leaves two possible groups behind them: either a 3-3-5 nickel or a 3-2-6 dime. It's just a matter of how many linebackers and safeties the team wants on the field.

A 3-3-5 team plays with two edges capable of playing both standing and in the dirt, one middle linebacker, a single-high free safety, two strong box safeties capable of playing either the rover or robber position, and two outside corners.

A team running a 3-2-6 will play with the same type of edges but will play with one strong safety box/robber and two strong safety box/rovers, plus the same single-high free safety and two outside corners.

And let's be honest, how many teams nowadays are looking for that nose tackle when scouting? How many teams ignore the film on 0 tech nose tackles, ignore their proday, or their combined? I'm betting a significant portion of the league.

That nose tackle who is "obsolete" is the keystone of the defensive line described here. Without him, the defense fails. While there are hybrid nose tackles, there's no substitute for the real thing.

The modern defensive player is a hybrid, maybe not as strong or as fast as previous generations, but where they lack in one area, they make up in another. The idea that a team gets beat by a single type of offense per formation is no longer true. It can happen, but modern defenders can hold up against most formations. Most teams run almost exclusively a combination of spread and 21 personnel formations nowadays.

A defensive formation with a solid interior line as described here means teams only have to rush three, as long as only five men are left in to block, meaning that 4th and 5th rusher can come from anywhere on the field. And it all starts with the 350 +/- pound anchor nose tackle.

Thirty-Three Top 100 Prospect Fits For The Patriots

So I went through and got my 175 prospect big board, and sorted it by need, click the link. Here are the 33 top 100 prospects from that list, with four links scouting report draft profiles for each. I'm only providing links to four sources and then a link to their PFF profile for a little more info on how they were used. If the source doesn't have a report on the player, the number will obviously be lower. 

5 - David Bailey - ED - Texas Tech

6'3" 247 lbs. Senior

Steelers Depot - NFL - Bleacher Report - Draft Network - PFF

9 - Sonny Styles - LB - Ohio St

6'5" 243 lbs. Senior

Steelers Depot - NFL - Bleacher Report - Draft Network - PFF

16 - Cashius Howell - ED - Texas A&M

6'2" 248 lbs. Senior

Steelers Depot - NFL - Bleacher Report - Draft Network - PFF

18 - Caleb Banks - DL - Florida

6'6" 335 lbs Senior

Steelers Depot - NFL - Bleacher Report - Draft Network - PFF

21 - Denzel Boston - WR - Washington

6'4" 210 lbs. Junior

Steelers Depot - NFL - Bleacher Report - Draft Network - PFF

23 - Kayden McDonald - IDL - Ohio St

6'3" 326 lbs. Junior 

Steelers Depot - NFL - Bleacher Report - PFF

28 - Lee Hunter - Texas Tech

6'4" 320 lbs. Junior

Steelers Depot - NFL - Bleacher Report - PFF

31 - Monroe Freeling - T - Georgia

6'7" 315 lbs. Junior

NFL - Bleacher Report - PFF

32 - Christen Miller - DL - Georgia

6'4" 305 lbs. Junior 

NFL - Bleacher Report - PFF

34 - Emmanuel McNeil-Warren - S - Toledo

6'2" 202 Lbs. Senior

Steelers Depot - NFL - Bleacher Report - PFF

37 - Chris Bell - WR - Louisville

6'2" 220 lbs Senior 

Steelers Depot - NFL - Bleacher Report - PFF

39 - R Mason Thomas - ED - Oklahoma

6'2" 249 lbs. Senior

NFL - Bleacher Report - Draft Network - PFF

40 - Anthony Hill Jr. - LB - Texas

6'3" 238 lbs. Senior 

Steelers Depot - NFL - Bleacher Report - Draft Network - PFF

47 - Max Iheanachor - T - Arizona St

6'5" 325 lbs. Senior 

Steelers Depot - NFL - Bleacher Report - Draft Network - PFF

52 - LT Overton - ED - Alabama

6'5" 278 lbs. Senior 

Steelers Depot - NFL - Bleacher Report - Draft Network - PFF

52 - Jake Golday - LB - Cincinnati

6'4" 240 lbs. Senior 

NFL - Bleacher Report - PFF

 

54 - Blake Miller - T - Clemson

6'6" 315 lbs. Senior

NFL - Bleacher Report - Draft Network - PFF

60 - Derrick Moore - ED - Michigan

6'3" 254 lbs. Senior

NFL - Bleacher Report - Draft Network - PFF

63 - Josiah Trotter - LB - Missouri

6'2" 237 lbs. Sophomore

Steelers Depot - NFL - PFF

66 - Elijah Sarratt - WR - Indiana

6'2" 213 lbs Senior

Steelers Depot - NFL - Bleacher Report - Draft Network - PFF

67 - Domonique Orange - IDL - Iowa St

6'4" 325 lbs. Senior 

Steelers Depot - Bleacher Report - PFF

79 - Garrett Nussmeier - QB - LSU

6'1" 205 lbs. Senior 

Steelers Depot - NFL - Bleacher Report - PFF - PFF2

81 - Gennings Dunker - T - Iowa

6'4" 320 lbs. Senior 

Steelers Depot - NFL - Bleacher Report - Draft Network - PFF

83 - Malachi Fields - WR - Notre Dame

6'4" 218 lbs.  Senior 

Steelers Depot - NFL - Bleacher Report - Draft Network - PFF

85 - Devin Moore - CB - Florida

6'2" 198 lbs. Senior 

Steelers Depot - NFL - Draft Network - PFF

86 - Darrell Jackson Jr. - IDL - Florida St

6'5" 328 lbs. Senior 

Steelers Depot - NFL - Bleacher Report - PFF

88 - Keyron Crawford - ED - Auburn

6'3" 251 lbs. Senior 

NFL - Draft Network - PFF

91 - Jacob Rodriguez - LB - Texas Tech

6'1" 233 lbs. Senior 

Steelers Depot - NFL - Bleacher Report - PFF

94 - Carson Beck - QB - Miami

6'4" 225 lbs. Senior 

Steelers Depot - NFL - Bleacher Report PFF - PFF2

95 - Zakee Wheatley - S - Penn St

6'2" 201 lbs. Senior 

Steelers Depot - NFL - Bleacher Report - PFF

99 - Seth McGowan - RB - Kentucky

5'11" 215 lbs. Senior 

 NFL - Draft Network - PFF

99 - Justin Joly - H-Back - N.C. State

6'3" 251 lbs. Senior 

NFL - Bleacher Report - PFF

100 - Genesis Smith - S - Arizona

6'2" 204 lbs. Junior 

Steelers Depot - NFL - Bleacher Report - PFF

The NFL combine starts this weekend and the concensus will probably change but these are the current top 100 prospects for the Patriots big board. There are 7 more names in my main "Big Board" that could easily be drafted in the top 100.

The New England Patriots 2026 Draft Prospect Big Board

Agree or disagree, here are the Patriots team needs immediately after the super bowl. Updated need list, March 10, 2026.

• T – first

• ED, WR – third

• LB – fourth 

• TE, DL, S – fifth 

• IOL – eight (Depth)

• CB – ninth (outside)

• RB – tenth ( Brandon Bolden rotation type)

• P – eleventh 

• OT (Swing) – twelveth 

• IDL, DT, NT – fourteenth (depth and rotational starter)

Some of these they may be addressed in free agency, some may have been on IR but as of the monday after the superbowl, here they are.

There's are 175 prospects sorted by position and ranked by averaging out their ranking from a few sources as of February 20th, 2026. I want to be clear, the players assembled are of my own opinion. The need list was done by taking 20-30 NFL analysts, recording what they said the priorities were, and (like in ranked choice voting)  tallying the positions. 175 prospects is nothing when there are thousands of prospects annually, and then there's approximately 10 positions, divided into sub positions.

A depth need is still a need for those who only pay attention to the starters. Each player has a link to providing more information, majority are scouting reports. A 999 Ranking is a clear practice squad player, all other rankings have a chance at being drafted. Also, I want to make note that at least half of the Hawaii Players are a UDFA at best and an honorable mention but there are 1 or 2 that should be legit prospects. Hawaii is a disrespected D1 school, so go bows!

WR: 16

If Maye's gonna just heave the ball down field, he needs someone that can bring it in that isn't a one trick pony.

Every single one of these receivers is a big-bodied, contested catch, physical possession receiver. We're talking 6'2" and up, physical at the catch point, red zone weapons, guys who win with size and hands rather than separation and speed. Nobody on this list is a burner. Nobody's there because of YAC explosion or slot quickness. The entire group can high-point the ball, win 50-50s, and give Maye a legitimate target when he trusts his arm and just lets it go. Receivers who finds the soft spot and presents themselves cleanly rather than one who requires a perfect ball.

Denzel Boston - Washington - 21

Chris Bell - louisville - 37

Elijah Sarratt - Indiana - 66

Malachi Fields - notre dame - 83

De'Zhaun Stribling - Mississippi - 112

Eric McAlister - TCU - 143

Bryce Lance - ND state - 155

Chase Roberts - BYU - 181

Jeff Caldwell - Cin - 196

Dane Key - Neb - 206

Caleb Douglas - Texas Tech - 211

Colbie Young - Georgia - 215

J. Michael Sturdivant - FLORIDA - 217

Josh Cameron - Baylor - 224

Donaven McCulley - Michigan - 295

Nick Cenacle - Hawaii - 555

Tackle (Right and Swing): 20

They need to plan for RT in a season or two and they never replaced Waddle. And it's hurt them.

These are all long, athletic tackles with solid pass protection traits. Every single one of them has the size, length and foot quickness profile that translates to protecting the right side of the pocket but more importantly they all have developmental upside still on the table. The arm length specifically jumps out across all of them. Long tackles who can redirect speed rushers without giving up the chest. None of them are finished products. I'm not looking for a polished veteran type, i'm betting on ceiling and coachability.

Monroe Freeling - Georgia - 31

Max Iheanachor - Arizona St - 47

Blake Miller - Clemsen - 54

Gennings Dunker - Iowa - 81

Brian Parker II - Duke - 113

Isaiah World - Oregon - 128

Drew Shelton - Penn St - 162

Dametrious Crownover - Texas A&M - 175

Trey Zuhn III - Texas A&M - 183

Enrique Cruz Jr. - Kansas - 216

Alan Herron - Maryland - 217

Fa'alili Fa'amoe - Wake Forest - 230

Mason Murphy - Auburn - 237

Ryan Mosesso - Umass - 257

Riley Mahlman - Wisconsin - 261

Micah Pettus - Florida ST - 270

Keagen Trost - Missouri - 271

Trevor Brock - Buffalo - 288

Alex Harkey - Oregon - 313

James Milovale - Hawaii - 699

Edge (and OLB): 12

Edge seems like a revolving door for the Patriots, it's time to restock the cupboard.

High motor, high effort pass rushers who win with athleticism, explosion and length rather than pure size and power. These are speed-to-power guys, not bull rushers. Most of them have run defense questions but serious upside as designated pass rushers who can develop into every-down players. They're athletic edge rushers who can win with their first step and are versatile enough to stand up or put their hand in the dirt, making them fits for a 3-4 or hybrid scheme.

David Bailey - Texas Tech - 5

Cashius Howell - Texas A&M - 16

R Mason Thomas - Oklahoma - 39

LT Overton - Alabama - 52

Derrick Moore - Michigan - 60

Keyron Crawford - Auburn - 88

Jaishawn Barham - Michigan - 105

Miles Capers - Vanderbilt - 246

Jimmori Robinson - West Virginia - 267

Kam Olds - Kentucky - 278

Mo Westmoreland - Tulane - 287

Jackie Johnson III - Hawaii - 999

Linebacker: 16

Every single one of them can play in space, match up with tight ends and running backs, and stay on the field in sub packages. These aren't thumpers or stack-and-shed run stuffers, they're modern, three-down linebackers built for the passing game first. Essentially building a second level that can blur the line between linebacker and safety, which is exactly how the best modern defenses operate.

Sonny Styles - Ohio st - 9

Anthony Hill Jr. - Texas - 40

Jake Golday - Cincinnati - 52

Josiah Trotter - Missouri - 63

Jacob Rodriguez - Texas Tech - 91

Keyshaun Elliott - Arizona St - 133

Trey Moore - Texas - 157

Red Murdock - Buffalo - 186

Lander Barton - Utah - 253

Jimmy Rolder - Michigan - 275

Desmond Purnell - Kansas St - 279

Jaden Dugger - Louisiana - 280

Jack Kelly - BYU - 309

Wynden Ho’ohuli - Hawaii - 514

Jalen Smith - Hawaii - 699

Giovanni Iovino - Hawaii - 999

Tight End: 12

If they're gonna act like they don't want Hooper, they need to replace him.

These are true Y tight ends, guys who line up inline, can sustain blocks in the run game and pass pro, but have enough receiving ability to be legitimate threats on play action and in the seam. Not move tight ends, not matchup nightmares, functional, do-your-job second tight ends who complement Hunter Henry rather than replace him.

Sam Roush - Stanford - 106

Marlin Klein - Michigan - 116

Joe Royer - Cincinnati - 137

Eli Raridon - Notre Dame - 141

Miles Kitselman - Tennessee - 173

Tanner Koziol - Houston - 177

John Michael Gyllenborg - Wyoming - 188

Carsen Ryan - BYU - 268

Jack Velling - Michigan ST - 261

Caleb Fauria - Delaware - 263

Matthew Hibner - SMU - 287

Will Kacmarek - Ohio St - 298

D-Line: 10

These are 3-4 versatile multi-front defensive linemen. Guys who can play multiple techniques, inside and outside, and fit a hybrid front. Not pure nose tackles, not pure ends. They're the Swiss Army knife type that can kick inside on passing downs, hold the point of attack in the run game, and create disruption from multiple alignments. Vrabel's defense demands exactly that kind of positional flexibility along the line rather than one-dimensional specialists.

Caleb Banks - Florida - 18

Christen Miller - Georgia - 32

Zxavian Harris - Mississippi - 197

Rayshaun Benny - Michigan - 232

James Thompson Jr. - Illinois - 239

Bobby Jamison-Travis - Auburn - 257

Damonic Williams - Oklahoma - 264

Cameron Ball - Arkansas - 274

Bryson Eason - Tennessee - 274

Tariq Jones - Hawaii - 662

Safety: 15

They need a true center fielder and at least a single hybrid Strong safety-MLB.

Hybrid versatility. Every one of these safeties can play multiple roles, high safety, box safety, slot, nickel linebacker, corner. None of them are one-dimensional. They're all football IQ players who process pre-snap, read quarterback eyes, and can operate in both zone and man looks.

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren - Toledo - 34

Zakee Wheatley - Penn St - 95

Genesis Smith - Arizona - 100

Bud Clark - TCU - 114

Cole Wisniewski - Texas Tech - 179

Xavier Nwankpa - Iowa - 198

Jakobe Thomas - Miami - 256

VJ Payne - Kansas ST - 260

Shyheim Brown - Florida St - 270

Jalen Huskey - Maryland - 282

DeShon Singleton - Nebraska - 287

Kendal Daniels - Oklahoma - 293

Peter Manuma - Hawaii - 509

Justin Sinclair - Hawaii - 562

Kilinahe Mendiola-Jensen - Hawaii - 713

IOL: 15

The question I ask here is do the Patriots need this position or do they just need to slide the Campbell and Wilson right by one position?

Zone blocking, positional versatility across multiple interior spots. These are athletic, mobile linemen who can play center and guard interchangeably, not power maulers. They win in space, on pulls, climbing to the second level. They fit more of a zone-run scheme rather than a standard gap/power scheme.

Jager Burton - Kentucky - 124

Ar'maj Reed-Adams - Texas A&M - 161

Pat Coogan - Indiana - 164 

Febechi Nwaiwu - Oklahoma - 229

Weylin Lapuaho - BYU - 242

Joshua Braun - Kentucky - 245

Micah Morris - Georgia - 252

Ka'ena Decambra - Arizona - 264

Tomas Rimac - Virginia Tech - 265

Mason Randolph - Boise St - 274

Matt Gulbin - Michigan ST - 287

Kam Dewberry - Alabama - 298

Logan Taylor - Boston - 314

Kuao Peihopa - Hawaii - 542

Zhen Sotelo - Hawaii - 566

Corner:15

I have no issues with the Patriots playing three or four safety formations with how modern offense are but they need to have depth at outside corner.

Long, physical, press corners. These are all big outside corners with length who can jam at the line, mirror in man coverage, and handle the physical receivers. Corners big enough to match the X receivers physically, with the size and length to compete at the catch point.

Devin Moore - Florida - 85

Treydan Stukes - Arizona - 105

Davison Igbinosun - Ohio St - 122

Julian Neal - Arkansas - 139

Jalon Kilgore - South Carolina - 151

Tacario Davis - Washington - 177

Ephesians Prysock - Washington - 204

Domani Jackson - Alabama - 207

Andre Fuller - Toledo - 208

Jeadyn Lukus - Clemsen - 244

Ahmari Harvey - Georgia Tech - 251

Stephen Hall - Missouri - 286

Devyn King - Hawaii - 579

Edwards li Videl - Hawaii - 603

Jaheim Wilson-Jones - Hawaii- 999

Running back: 12

The Patriots need Brandon Bolden, a jack knife. A guy who can run, catch, block, and play special teams. That way they can use their two primary backs properly.

Three down versatility. These are all backs who can run, catch, and block, Every one of them brings something to all three phases including special teams value. Adam Randall's WR-to-RB conversion specifically amplifies that, a guy who thinks like a receiver in the passing game but runs with a back's mentality between the tackles.

Seth McGowan - Kentucky - 99

Nicholas Singleton - Penn St - 117

Mike Washington Jr. - Arkansas - 157

Roman Hemby - Indiana - 214

Al-Jay Henderson - Buffalo - 230

Eli Heidenreich - Navy - 237

Chip Trayanum - Toledo - 257

Dean Connors - Houston - 266

Adam Randall - Clemsen - 270

Christian Vaughn - Hawaii - 597

David Cordero - Hawaii - 999

Landon Sims - Hawaii - 999

Punter: 3

It's not always about the leg, sometimes it's about the options a player brings, and having former high school starting and back up quarterbacks punting the ball can make up for a lack of elite punting. There's not enough appreciation for those like Tom Tupa.

Jack Stonehouse - Syracuse - 301

Ryan Eckley - Michigan State - 306

Lucas Borrow - Hawaii - 615

Passer: 7

A good backup quarterback is worth it's weight in gold. Brady, Cassel, Hoyer, the Patriots know this. Also, athleticism will always take a backseat to a quarterbacks ability and mind with me, not that it's not a good tool to have.

Arm talent and football IQ first, with athleticism as a bonus rather than the primary trait. The mind comes before the legs across the entire list, cerebral with some physical abilities, accuracy over flash.

Garrett Nussmeier - LSU - 79

Carson Beck - Miami - 94

Drew Allar - Penn St - 138

Luke Altmyer - Illinois - 235

Haynes King - Georgia Tech - 241

Cole Payton - ND State - 241

Trinidad Chambliss - Ole Miss - 473

IDL: 15

I'm convinced that the modern front seven's most important part is the interior. With the evolution of athletes nowadays, two or three starting interior linemen can change a defense.

Dominant run defenders who eat blocks and control the line of scrimmage first, with pass rush upside as a secondary trait still being developed. These are gap eaters and two-gappers who free up linebackers and make edge rushers' jobs easier by demanding double teams. Nobody on this list is a pure pass rush specialist, but they all are guys who own the interior.

Kayden McDonald - Ohio St - 23

Lee Hunter - Texas Tech - 28

Domonique Orange - Iowa ST - 67

Darrell Jackson Jr. - Florida ST - 86

Cole Brevard - Texas - 183

Zxavian Harris - Ole Miss - 196

Deven Eastern - Minnesota - 234

Bobby Jamison-Travis - Auburn - 257

Keeshawn Silver - USC - 268 

Cameron Ball - Arkansas - 274

Gary Smith III - UCLA - 275

Jamar Sekona - Hawaii - 527 

De'Jon Benton - Hawaii - 601

Carsen Stocklinski - Hawaii - 999

Qwyn Williams - Hawaii - 999 

Kicker: 3

Having an accurate leg secures dynasties. Out of all the players throughout the years, this is the first time I'm begging the patriots to draft a kicker from Hawaii.

Trey Smack - Florida - 314

Dominic Zvada - Michigan - 316

Kansei Matsuzawa - Hawaii - 344

FB/H-Back: 4

Sam Gash, Larry Centers, Heath Evans, James Develin, Jakob Johnson, having a player that can block has always been a way to sustain drives and if that guy can catch, it's a bonus weapon, especially when the guy is between two hundred and fifty to two hundred and seventy pounds.

These are all blocking-first fullbacks and H-backs who can catch. Physical enough to work in tight quarters, tough enough to play special teams, and smart enough to handle multiple alignment responsibilities, doing the dirty work nobody appreciates.

Justin Joly - N.C. State - 99

Max Bredeson - Michigan - 220

Riley Nowakowski - Indiana - 251

Truman Werremeyer - North Dakota State - 999

Why do I do this? Because I love Patriots football. Not to mention every year the Patriots draft at least one of my prospects and then sign as UDFAs at least one of my prospects. While I've never hit a perfect draft, there have been times when as many as 5 players form my boards have made it to the Patriots. Regardless if they make the final 53. I just want to open eyes to prospects that I feel are team fits, not just the consensus flavors.

Because someone wanted to know who players were that I had been correct about, you can go back through my blogs but here is the list. The Patriots have had 54 draft picks and signed idk how many UDFAs since 2020. While players may have signed in the following seasons, here is who the patriots acquired from my boards per each year, even if they eventually cut or traded them:

2020: Devin Asiasi, Nick Coe, Kyahva Tezino

https://vicariouslypatriots.blogspot.com/2020/03/my-140-man-patriots-2020-nfl-draft-big.html

2021: Mac Jones, Rhamondre Stevenson, Cameron McGrone

https://vicariouslypatriots.blogspot.com/2021/02/forty-one-combined-day-one-two-and.html


My 2022 big board is no longer on my blogger account but I did write a few other blog lists with most of my prospects.

2022: Marcus Jones, and Andrew Stuber

https://vicariouslypatriots.blogspot.com/2022/01/nineteen-early-potential-receiver-draft.html?m=0

https://vicariouslypatriots.blogspot.com/2022/01/sixteen-early-potential-receiving-and.html?m=0

https://vicariouslypatriots.blogspot.com/2022/01/early-offensive-line-prospects-for.html?m=0

https://vicariouslypatriots.blogspot.com/2022/01/twenty-six-early-defensive-line.html?m=0

https://vicariouslypatriots.blogspot.com/2022/01/early-middle-linebacker-prospects-for.html?m=0

https://vicariouslypatriots.blogspot.com/2022/02/eighteen-early-cornerback-prospects-and.html?m=0

https://vicariouslypatriots.blogspot.com/2022/02/early-safety-prospects-for-new-england.html?m=0

https://vicariouslypatriots.blogspot.com/2022/03/my-twenty-four-best-fit-prospects-for.html?m=0

https://vicariouslypatriots.blogspot.com/2022/03/twenty-four-draft-profiles-that-could.html?m=0

2023: Christian Gonzalez, Jake Andrews, Chad Ryland, Sidy Sow, Demario Douglas

https://vicariouslypatriots.blogspot.com/2023/04/cut-down-from-165-to-125-draft.html

https://vicariouslypatriots.blogspot.com/2023/04/the-patriots-2023-prospect-board-before.html

https://vicariouslypatriots.blogspot.com/2023/01/top-112-draft-prospects-that-fill.html

https://vicariouslypatriots.blogspot.com/2023/03/new-england-patriots-2023-draft.html

https://vicariouslypatriots.blogspot.com/2023/04/final-165-patriots-draft-prospect-big.html


2024: Charles Turner, DeShaun Fenwick, Jaheim Bell, Javon Baker, Ja’Lynn Polk, Caedan Wallace


https://vicariouslypatriots.blogspot.com/2024/04/73-priority-draft-prospects-for-new.html

https://vicariouslypatriots.blogspot.com/2024/01/first-patriots-big-board-of-2024.html

https://vicariouslypatriots.blogspot.com/2024/03/with-off-season-moves-patriots-have.html


2025: Brock Lampe, C.J. Dippre, Elijah Ponder, Andrés “Andy” Borregales, Bradyn Swinson, Joshua Farmer, Jared Wilson, Will Campbell

https://vicariouslypatriots.blogspot.com/2025/02/media-consensus-patriots-prospects-by.html

https://vicariouslypatriots.blogspot.com/2025/03/post-combine-patriots-2025-big-board.html

https://vicariouslypatriots.blogspot.com/2025/04/the-patriots-close-out-day-three-of.html

https://vicariouslypatriots.blogspot.com/2025/02/patriots-2025-big-board-by-round.html