The New England Patriots have several different directions they could go with the No. 31 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder believes the team should consider taking Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald in the first round.

Keep in mind that the Patriots could use help at receiver, edge rusher, offensive line and tight end. But given the spot that they’re picking at on Day 1, they could feel more inclined to go for the best player available on the board. That player could end up being McDonald, who Holder compared to Patriots’ legendary defensive tackle Vince Wilfork.

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“This is the year that you can go after and take a nose tackle and take a low value position, generally speaking, and just kind of get a good football player,” Holder said on CLNS’ Patriots Daily Podcast. “And especially when you’re sitting there at the backend of the first round, which let’s be honest, that’s almost a second-round pick anyway. …To give you a little bit more hope, my comp for [Kayden] McDonald that Pats fans know well is Vince Wilfork.”

The Patriots could use another run-stuffing presence along the defensive front after losing veteran Khyiris Tonga to the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency. McDonald is a powerful enforcer who would boost the unit’s success against the run and help pressure the quarterback.

But would it be worth making that move and potentially missing out on a player who can help in greater areas of need?

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Comparing any player to Wilfork, who many view as a Pro Football Hall of Fame-caliber talent, is a bold comparison to make. He was one of the best defensive linemen in franchise history for New England.

If McDonald lives up to anywhere near that kind of hype, the thought of seeing him join the likes of Milton Williams and Christian Barmore along a defensive front should terrify offenses long before the first snap.

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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots suggested to draft DT drawing Vince Wilfork comparison