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Showing posts with label Patriots. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Patriots. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Media And I Agree On 33 Prospects For The Patriots

I went through and looked at four Patriots Big Boards from Mike Dussault (Patriots.com), Evan Lazar (Patriots.com), the Pats Pulpit Staff, and  Chad Graff (NYT). What I found was 33 players from my Patriots Big Board had made the professional circuit. That is about one sixth of my board. Now they did have a few names, like maybe five to 10 that I could've added to my board but I didn't. So here are the prospects I agree with the media on, even if they have different positions listed.

Wide Receivers
- Denzel Boston (Washington)
- Chris Bell (Louisville)
- De'Zhaun Stribling (Ole Miss)
- Bryce Lance (NDSU)
- Josh Cameron (Baylor)

Edge Rushers
- Cashius Howell (Washington)
- Jaishawn Barham (Michigan)

Offensive Tackles / OL
- Blake Miller (Clemson)
- Max Iheanachor (Arizona State)
- Gennings Dunker (Iowa)
- Isaiah World (Oregon)
- Dametrious Crownover (Texas A&M)
- Micah Morris (Georgia)

Linebackers
- Anthony Hill Jr. (Texas)
- Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech)
- Jake Golday (Cincinnati)
- Red Murdock (Buffalo)



Safeties
- Treydan Stukes (Arizona)
- Zakee Wheatley (Penn State)
- Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo)
- Bud Clark (TCU)
- VJ Payne (Kansas State)

Defensive Tackles / DL
- Domonique Orange (Iowa State)
- Kayden McDonald (Ohio State)

Tight Ends/FullBacks
- Joe Royer (Cincinnati)
- Sam Roush (Stanford)
- Justin Joly (NC State)

Running Backs
- Adam Randall (Clemson)
- Eli Heidenreich (Navy)

Cornerbacks
- Tacario Davis (Washington)

If the media is right this year, that my board doesn't have the proper prospects, it's gonna be difficult to continue my streak of landing a player. However, this list here still covers almost all of their needs. From out boards, I would say that these are the realistic prospects. The draft starts Thursday night and the Patriots are expected to draft around 10:20 PM.

If you're curious who I have by round out of 175 prospects, click here.

Thursday, April 9, 2026

Patriots Complete Seven Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft

The Patriots have quite a bit of needs and 11 draft picks. This was a tough draft; pick 95 would have been reaching for players from my board, so I had to trade down, but I think the Patriots met most of their needs with this mock. There is a good mix of starting and developmental talent here.

Round 1 pick 31: Monroe Freeling, Tackle, Georgia
6'7" 315lbs, Age 21

Monroe Freeling is a long, athletic tackle prospect with elite movement skills that make him a natural fit for zone and outside-zone blocking schemes, where his ability to reach, pull, and get to the second level separates him from others in this class, and his pass protection gives coaching staffs something to build around immediately. His upright playing style creates balance and leverage issues that cause him to fall off blocks and overextend, his run blocking technique needs refinement, and his limited starting experience means he is still learning to handle the full range of NFL pass rush counters, making him a risk in gap-heavy schemes that demand anchor strength at the point of attack. The ceiling is that of a quality NFL starter with Pro Bowl potential, but the floor is significant enough that his landing spot, developmental window behind a veteran, and the quality of his offensive line coaching will ultimately determine whether those tools translate.

Round 2 pick 63: Derrick Moore, Edge, Michigan
6'4" 255lbs, Age 23

Derrick Moore is a power-first edge rusher whose bull rush is the best in this class, generating real pocket collapse and backing up a 10-sack senior season against Big Ten competition, with alignment versatility that lets him operate from a three-point stance or standing up without losing effectiveness. His run defense is inconsistent, which reads more like an effort and approach issue than a physical limitation, and his pass rush repertoire needs inside counters to prevent NFL tackles from simply anchoring and waiting him out. The floor is a reliable third-down pass rush specialist who earns rotation snaps, and the ceiling, if the run defense urgency and counter game develop, is a consistent starter who pressures quarterbacks every week.

Patriots trade pick 95 to Indianapolis for round 4 pick 113, round 5 pick 156, and round 7 pick 249. Should rank no worse than a B grade.

Round 4 pick 113: Bud Clark, Safety, TCU
6'1" 188lbs, Age 24

Bud Clark is a coverage-versatile, ball-hawking defensive back with 15 career interceptions and the instincts and range to play deep safety, box safety, or slot defender, making him an alignment-flexible option whose best fit is a split-safety or Cover 2/Cover 4 scheme where his quarterback-reading and ball-driving abilities can be maximized without asking him to be a true single-high centerfielder. His six years of experience give him a plug-and-play quality in sub-packages on day one, and his slot background adds immediate passing-down value as a big nickel who can match tight ends, with a realistic path to a starting role if his body holds up. The concerns are legitimate: his slender, high-waisted frame creates durability questions and limits his ability to hold up against bigger receivers and tight ends in the run game, his gambling tendencies that produce turnovers will be exploited more often by NFL quarterbacks who manipulate eyes, and the injury history requires thorough medical evaluation before committing significant draft capital.

Round 4 pick 125: Marlin Klein, Tight End, Michigan
6'6" 248lbs, Age 23

Marlin Klein is a German-born developmental tight end whose late entry into football makes his current tape a starting point rather than a finished product, with legitimate physical tools in his 6'6" frame and 4.61 speed that make him a genuine vertical threat on seam routes and crossers, while his blocking is a competitive but inconsistent work in progress where effort and hand strength show up but anchor issues and hand placement cost him too many reps against stronger defenders. He profiles as a backup Y tight end whose best fit is a play-action heavy offense that uses him in the middle of the field and on vertical shots, with a realistic ceiling of a number two tight end if a patient coaching staff can refine his route running and blocking technique, giving a reasonable range of outcomes for a fourth round investment.

Round 4 pick 131: Jager Burton, IOL, Kentucky
6'4" 312lbs, Age 23

Jager Burton is a 47-consecutive-start veteran with elite athleticism for his position, a 9.91 RAS, and the versatility to play center or guard, making him a scheme-flexible interior lineman whose best fit is a zone-blocking system where his quickness, footwork, and ability to reach the second level and handle combo blocks can be maximized. His processing, communication, and pass-protection awareness are legitimate strengths, and his experience at multiple interior positions adds immediate roster value as a depth piece with spot-start capability. The concerns center on his physicality and anchor: he struggles to sustain blocks when defenders get to his edges, his wide base creates balance issues against bull rushers, and he does not strike with enough aggression to hold up consistently against two-gapping defensive tackles at the point of attack, making him a finesse-dependent player whose ceiling in a power scheme is limited.

Round 5 pick 156: Trey Moore, Linebacker, Texas
6'2" 243lbs, Age 22

Trey Moore is an undersized, athletically gifted linebacker who projects as a 3-4 outside linebacker or passing-down edge rusher, where his advanced rush plan, legitimate spin move, and elite combine athleticism for his position can be maximized in favorable matchups without asking him to anchor against NFL-caliber tackles who can power him off his gap. His UTSA production was historic but came against overmatched competition, and his 2025 Texas tape showed the rush creativity had to work harder against better length while expanded coverage responsibilities exposed slow route recognition and uncertain ball reaction that will cap his every-down viability. The floor is a rotation pass rusher who earns third-down snaps, and the ceiling, if the coverage game and off-ball reads develop, is a versatile 3-4 OLB who can stress quarterbacks consistently and handle a limited role in space.

Round 5 pick 171: Jeff Caldwell, WR, Cincinnati
6'5" 216lbs, Age 25

Jeff Caldwell is a developmental X receiver with Z versatility whose 6'5" frame, 4.31 speed, and 42-inch vertical create a size-speed combination that almost does not exist at the position, giving him a legitimate ceiling as a vertical threat and red zone weapon who can beat press with pure athleticism, work play-action concepts, and win fades and back-shoulder throws inside the 20. The tape does not match the testing or perfect RAS score yet: his route tree is almost entirely vertical, his footwork is inconsistent, his contested catch rate is disappointing for his size, and three seasons at Lindenwood leave real questions about competition level. A fifth-round bet on a developmental piece with legitimate starter upside if an offensive staff can teach him to play with the physicality his body promises is a reasonable gamble.

Round 6 pick 191: Cole Brevard, IDL, Texas
6'3" 346lbs, Age 24

Cole Brevard is a 346-pound rotational nose tackle who dominates as a two-gap run defender by absorbing double teams and controlling the A-gap, with enough bull-rush power to push the pocket occasionally, but limited explosiveness keeps him from being more than a depth piece on passing downs without proper coaching development.

Round 6 pick 198: Enrique Cruz Jr., Tackle, Kansas
6'6" 313lbs, Age 22

A swing tackle with outstanding length and explosive upper-body power that can knock defenders off-balance, plus 800-plus snaps at both tackle spots giving him immediate roster versatility, but tight hips, tall pad level, below-average anchor against bull rushes, and struggles to redirect against inside counters cap his ceiling and make long-term starting viability a question his combine athleticism alone cannot answer.

Round 6 pick 202: Andre Fuller, Corner, Toledo
6'1" 200lbs, Age 24

Andre Fuller is a developmental boundary corner with legitimate press-man size, speed, and physicality in run support, whose best fit is a zone-heavy or Cover 2 scheme that masks his functional but not fluid hips and limited recovery ability when beaten off the line, with a missed 2024 season limiting his development reps and MAC competition leaving questions about how his route-matching holds up against NFL separation threats. The floor is a special teams contributor with rotational sub-package value, and the ceiling is a scheme-specific boundary starter if a staff can clean up his transition mechanics and press technique.

Round 6 pick 212: Eli Heidenreich, Running Back, Navy
6'0" 198lbs, Age 22

Eli Heidenreich is a versatile tweener weapon whose 6'0", 198-pound frame, mid-4.4 speed, elite explosiveness, and 6.55 three-cone back up legitimate athleticism, with soft hands, strong route feel, electric RAC ability, and spatial processing that make him most dangerous in space as a schemed gadget piece rather than a volume runner or traditional back. His entire college career in Navy's Wing-T means pass protection needs significant development and the transition to a pro-style system is a steep climb, but his floor as a special teams contributor and third-down receiving back with swiss-army-knife formation versatility gives him a real path to sticking on a roster for the right creative offensive staff.

Round 7 pick 247: Jack Kelly, Linebacker, BYU
6'2" 240lbs, Age 23

A versatile SAM linebacker and pass rush weapon whose sideline-to-sideline range, near-elite on-attack explosion, and 30.2% pressure rate on pass rush reps demonstrate a two-way threat who can blitz standing up or with his hand in the dirt, roam the middle of the field, and contribute immediately on special teams. His warts are real: average reaction time and leverage inconsistencies as a run defender, short arms that get him stuck to blockers, a 15% missed tackle rate, and below-average coverage fluidity limit his every-down viability, but his floor as a core special teamer with rotational pass rush value and his ceiling as a starting SAM if his play diagnosis and tackling technique improve make him a worthwhile late-round investment.

Round 7 pick 249: Keeshawn Silver, IDL, USC
6'4" 335lbs, Age 23

A massive, former five-star nose tackle with a seven-foot wingspan whose rare size and length make him a natural two-gap run stuffer in a 3-4 front, but limited athleticism beyond his first step, minimal pass rush production, and experience almost exclusively as a 0-technique head-up nose tackle make him a purely developmental space-eater whose ceiling depends entirely on what an NFL coaching staff can unlock from his physical tools.

Final Thoughts

The NFL Draft is two weeks away. The Patriots currently have eleven selections, and that number could fluctuate. With the team's needs, there are many ways they could go. This mock draft would set them up for both the 2026 and 2027 seasons. Everything with them depends on how they evaluate their current roster and what they truly believe is needed. While I acquired two selections in this draft, I have no idea what they are thinking trade-wise at the moment.

Sunday, April 5, 2026

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.

Thursday, March 26, 2026

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:
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:
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
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
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 
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
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
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
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
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 
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.

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

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

9 - Sonny Styles - LB - Ohio St
6'5" 243 lbs. Senior

16 - Cashius Howell - ED - Texas A&M
6'2" 248 lbs. Senior

18 - Caleb Banks - DL - Florida
6'6" 335 lbs Senior

21 - Denzel Boston - WR - Washington
6'4" 210 lbs. Junior

23 - Kayden McDonald - IDL - Ohio St
6'3" 326 lbs. Junior 

28 - Lee Hunter - Texas Tech
6'4" 320 lbs. Junior

31 - Monroe Freeling - T - Georgia
6'7" 315 lbs. Junior

32 - Christen Miller - DL - Georgia
6'4" 305 lbs. Junior 

34 - Emmanuel McNeil-Warren - S - Toledo
6'2" 202 Lbs. Senior

37 - Chris Bell - WR - Louisville
6'2" 220 lbs Senior 

39 - R Mason Thomas - ED - Oklahoma
6'2" 249 lbs. Senior

40 - Anthony Hill Jr. - LB - Texas
6'3" 238 lbs. Senior 

47 - Max Iheanachor - T - Arizona St
6'5" 325 lbs. Senior 

52 - LT Overton - ED - Alabama
6'5" 278 lbs. Senior 

52 - Jake Golday - LB - Cincinnati
6'4" 240 lbs. Senior 
 
54 - Blake Miller - T - Clemson
6'6" 315 lbs. Senior

60 - Derrick Moore - ED - Michigan
6'3" 254 lbs. Senior

63 - Josiah Trotter - LB - Missouri
6'2" 237 lbs. Sophomore

66 - Elijah Sarratt - WR - Indiana
6'2" 213 lbs Senior

67 - Domonique Orange - IDL - Iowa St
6'4" 325 lbs. Senior 

79 - Garrett Nussmeier - QB - LSU
6'1" 205 lbs. Senior 

81 - Gennings Dunker - T - Iowa
6'4" 320 lbs. Senior 

83 - Malachi Fields - WR - Notre Dame
6'4" 218 lbs.  Senior 

85 - Devin Moore - CB - Florida
6'2" 198 lbs. Senior 

86 - Darrell Jackson Jr. - IDL - Florida St
6'5" 328 lbs. Senior 

88 - Keyron Crawford - ED - Auburn
6'3" 251 lbs. Senior 

91 - Jacob Rodriguez - LB - Texas Tech
6'1" 233 lbs. Senior 

94 - Carson Beck - QB - Miami
6'4" 225 lbs. Senior 

95 - Zakee Wheatley - S - Penn St
6'2" 201 lbs. Senior 

99 - Seth McGowan - RB - Kentucky
5'11" 215 lbs. Senior 

99 - Justin Joly - H-Back - N.C. State
6'3" 251 lbs. Senior 

100 - Genesis Smith - S - Arizona
6'2" 204 lbs. Junior 

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.

Sunday, February 22, 2026

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.

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

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.

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