With the 2026 NFL Draft finally upon us, one final mock draft for the New England Patriots could solve their biggest needs and add some intriguing UDFAs. <\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFeb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel reacts against the Seattle Seahawks during Super Bowl LX at Levi\u2019s Stadium.
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The 2026 NFL Draft is upon us, and the New England Patriots<\/a> are hoping for another strong draft class like their 2025 crop. With 11 picks to work with, the Patriots have the ammo to own the draft if they so choose to. <\/p>\n For one last time on A to Z Sports\u2019 Mock Draft Simulator<\/a>, let\u2019s run a New England Patriots 2026 mock draft. I tried to get the position right more so than player, as players are nearly impossible to predict as the draft goes on. Additionally, I also tacked on over 20 UDFA names to monitor at the end. <\/p>\n Let\u2019s dive in.<\/p>\n Final New England Patriots 7-round 2026 NFL Mock Draft<\/p>\n Round 1, Pick 31: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF<\/p>\n The New England Patriots kickstart this mock draft with what seems like their consensus top position group. Based on general manager Eliot Wolf\u2019s recent conversations, the Patriots adding a pass rusher early seems like a foregone conclusion. <\/p>\n Unfortunately, New England is in a bit of a weird spot. There could be a huge run on pass rushers from pick No. 20 on downwards. I wouldn\u2019t be surprised if they try to leapfrog a team like the 49ers to get someone like Cashius Howell. Instead, here they add another dynamite, bendy pass rusher in UCF\u2019s Malachi Lawrence.<\/p>\n Round 2, Pick 63: Travis Burke, OT, Memphis<\/p>\n The Patriots need a developmental right tackle behind Morgan Moses to provide a long-term bookend for Will Campbell. This offensive tackle class is thin, so they should go early if they want one. <\/p>\n Burke is a physically imposing behemoth with some of the most enjoyable film in this class. His size gives him trouble against pure speed, but his play strength and technique can keep him steady in pass protection. He has the tools to be a good starter long-term at right tackle. <\/p>\n Round 3, Pick 86* (via ATL): Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia<\/p>\n Let\u2019s get aggressive here. The Patriots need to keep adding pass catchers for Drake Maye. The Falcons need picks. See where I\u2019m going with this? New England sends 95 and 131 to get it done. <\/p>\n Since the A.J. Brown trade seems all but done, let\u2019s add a tight end instead of wide receiver here. New England wants to get into heavier personnel, and they need a heir to Hunter Henry. Oscar Delp can kill both birds with one stone. <\/p>\n Round 4, Pick 125: VJ Payne, S, Kansas State<\/p>\n The New England Patriots are pretty forward-thinking, and Eliot Wolf likes to gamble on traits on Day 3. I suspect they might want to copy the league trend for some \u201cbig nickel\u201d reps. VJ Payne is a freak athlete with the versatility to handle a overhang role and hang with tight ends. <\/p>\n Round 5, Pick 150* (via NO): Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin<\/p>\n New England\u2019s cornerback room is rail-thin behind Carlton Davis and Christian Gonzalez. There\u2019s no sense in waiting around to bolster the room. The Patriots send picks #171 and #202 here to close the deal. <\/p>\n Demmings is one of the best small-school prospects in the draft, and could go much earlier than this. His natural athleticism and size make him a perfect fit in New England\u2019s defense, and he could be Carlton Davis\u2019s heir outside. <\/p>\n Round 6, Pick 191: Jaden Dugger, LB, Louisiana<\/p>\n Over the offseason, the Patriots have trimmed their linebacker room to just three effective options. I\u2019m not overly confident in their current room, particularly in coverage.<\/p>\n Jaden Dugger is one of the toolsiest linebackers in this draft class. With his natural tools and safety background, he could be an impact subpackage option for the Patriots to bolster their depth.<\/p>\n Round 6, Pick 198: Jeremiah Wright, G, Auburn<\/p>\n
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