Our staff has compiled what the top 'experts' are predicting the Patriots will do in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. New England is currently slated to pick 31st.
EXPERT: Field Yates, ESPN
LAST UPDATED: February 12, 2026
PICK: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Yates' Analysis:
"The Patriots' run to the Super Bowl was impressive, but it underscored the team's need to beef up quarterback Drake Maye's protection. Lomu, who took over at left tackle for Utah in 2024 when Fano moved over to the right side, could slide in at tackle or guard for New England. (Note: I am a firm believer that the Patriots should stay fully committed to Will Campbell at left tackle, as coach Mike Vrabel has already stated will be the case.) Lomu needs to further develop his strength, but the 6-foot-6, 304-pounder is already a solid pass protector who did not allow a single sack in 2025."
Click here for Field Yates' full mock draft.
EXPERT: Rob Rang, Fox Sports
LAST UPDATED: February 12, 2026
PICK: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
Rang's Analysis:
"For all the talk about Drake Maye and the Patriots' defense, reaching the Super Bowl with two rookies manning the left side of the offensive line is truly a remarkable achievement and a testament to both offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and offensive line coach Doug Marrone. Morgan Moses was arguably New England's best blocker in 2025, but he'll be 35 in March. The 6-foot-6, 315-pound Miller has an upright stance that might irk some coaches, but he plays with good balance and power, capably locking down right tackle the past four years at Clemson. "
Click here for Rob Rang's full mock draft.
EXPERT: Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports
LAST UPDATED: February 11, 2026
PICK: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Wilson's Analysis:
"Drake Maye was sacked an NFL playoff record 21 times, including six times in New England's Super Bowl loss to the Seahawks. Lomu's handwork and consistency in remaining upright prevents edge rushers from blowing past his shoulders, and he has strong instincts. He could stand some more power in the run game, but the elements are there for him to be a mainstay tackle in the NFL."
Click here for Ryan Wilson's full mock draft.
EXPERT: Todd McShay, The McShay Report
LAST UPDATED: February 9, 2026
PICK: R Mason Thomas, Edge, Oklahoma
McShay's Analysis:
"When you have your QB and you know you're gonna score a lot of points, "closers" become an integral part of the winning equation. New England brought in some impact free agents on the defensive side of the ball last offseason but Harold Landry III is aging and coming off an injury-riddled 2025. K'Lavon Chaisson (7.5 sacks) hits free agency next month, but even if he returns, the Patriots need to add young blood to their pass rush. Thomas makes sense. He's an undersized edge—not dissimilar to Landry—but he is one of my favorite players in the class. Thomas blasts out of his stance, shows excellent snap in his hands, bends a tight edge, and his motor is legendary. He's a Mike Vrabel kind of guy."
Click here for Todd McShay's full mock draft.
EXPERT: Chad Reuter, NFL.com
LAST UPDATED: February 9, 2026
PICK: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
Reuter's Analysis:
"Miller adds much-needed depth to a defensive line that was steamrolled by Kenneth Walker III in Super Bowl LX -- and he could earn himself a starting role in 2027."
Click here for Chad Reuter's full mock draft.
EXPERT: Josh Edwards, CBS Sports
LAST UPDATED: February 9, 2026
PICK: Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M
Edward's Analysis:
"Cashius Howell is a younger version of Harold Landry III and K'Lavon Chaisson. New England has squeezed all the juice from those oranges, but Howell brings longevity to the position -- a vital objective considering Mike Vrabel and Drake Maye should be around for a long time."
Click here for Josh Edward's full mock draft.
EXPERT: Vinny Iyer, The Sporting News
LAST UPDATED: February 9, 2026
PICK: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Iyer's Analysis:
"The Patriots need to consider a bookend right tackle for 2025 first-rounder Will Campbell with Morgan Moses turning 35 in early March. For the short term, they could also kick Lomu inside to beef up blocking on the left side next to Campbell."
Click here for Vinny Iyer's full mock draft.
EXPERT: Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
LAST UPDATED: February 2, 2026
PICK: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Zierlein's Analysis:
"Freeling's a long-limbed tackle prospect with excellent athletic ability, but his game needs more seasoning."
Click here for Lance Zierlein's full mock draft.
EXPERT: Danny Kelly, The Ringer
LAST UPDATED: January 28, 2026
PICK: Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State
Kelly's Analysis:
"The Pats add another big body to the middle of their defense, grabbing a block-eating, run-plugging defensive tackle in McDonald. The stalwart defender out of Ohio State has a quick first step, incredible power, and the ability to play at multiple spots on the front."
Click here for Danny Kelly's full mock draft.
EXPERT: OurLads.com
LAST UPDATED: January 25, 2026
PICK: R Mason Thomas, Edge, Oklahoma
OurLads's Analysis:
"With potential cap and free agency losses coming, the Patriots need to re-tool the pass rush. Thomas with his speed to power style and double digit sack potential should successfully address this need."
Click here for OurLads.com's full mock draft.
EXPERT: Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com
LAST UPDATED: January 26, 2026
PICK: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Jeremiah's Analysis:
"With Morgan Moses set to turn 35 in March, the Patriots land another young tackle to help protect Drake Maye."
Click here for Daniel Jeremiah's full mock draft.
DISCLAIMER: The views and thoughts expressed in this article are those of the writer and don't necessarily reflect those of the organization. Read Full Disclaimer
