3 ways Patriots can win big at the 2026 NFL Draft

The New England Patriots have the chance to come away as big winners in the 2026 NFL Draft, despite starting out with the No. 31 overall pick in the first round.

The penultimate pick on Day 1 of the draft will force the Patriots to watch 30 top prospects get taken before they go on the board to select for the first time. Nevertheless, having not traded away any of their picks on Day 2, as well as having an abundance of picks in the sixth round of the draft, the Patriots’ front office will have many lanes to make sound selections that address the team’s needs.

Let’s take a look at the three benchmarks that will make the Patriots win the 2026 NFL Draft.

1. Lead with an offensive-oriented approach

It’s no secret that the Patriots have a great need for a wide receiver, as well as an edge rusher in the draft. That being said, New England will either veer toward a more offensive or defensive-oriented approach in the early rounds.

As productive as the Patriots’ offense was in 2025, New England stands to gain from adding a transformative wide receiver, tight end and an offensive lineman on the right side on Days 1 and 2.

Wide receivers KC Concepcion (Texas A&M), Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana), and Chris Brazzell II (Tennessee) fit the bill. Tight ends Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon) and Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt) stand out in this year’s draft class. Right tackle Blake Miller (Clemson) and right guard Keylan Rutledge (Georgia Tech) are worth consideration for the Patriots to place behind Morgan Moses or Mike Onwenu, respectively, next season.

2. Find a No. 1 wide receiver