4-round mock draft: Patriots shoot for upside in late rounds

Round 6

**6-191: DT Landon Robinson (Navy | No. 215):** There’s no hiding it, I love Robinson, and no, I don’t care that I am doing back-to-back Navy picks. I wrote the draft profile for him for Pats Pulpit, and I think he should be available for the Patriots here. While Gabe Jacas is a very good run stopping edge who shows some pass rush upside, Robinson is a pass rushing defensive tackle. He has shown a consistent ability to beat blockers and get into the backfield and that fits what the Patriots want to do perfectly. He should be a very good complement to the likes of Dre’Mont Jones, Hunter Henry and Jacas on the edge. **6-198: P Jack Stonehouse (Syracuse | N/A):** The Patriots might be in the market for a punter, and I think Stonehouse and Brett Thorson from Georgia are the two best in the draft. I chose Stonehouse here because of his past relationship with Jeremy Springer, and because he’s a good amount younger. It isn’t flashy, but the Patriots were willing to spend draft capital on a long snapper and kicker last year, so we know how much special teams matters to them. Based on how Bryce Baringer punted, especially in the playoffs, I think it might be time for a change, and Stonehouse at least offers some competition. **6-212: LB Justin Jefferson (Alabama | No. 198):** The Patriots get the steal of the draft in the sixth round, and change their receiver room to one of the best in football overnigh…. Just kidding, of course, this Justin Jefferson is a linebacker who brings a toughness and athleticism to the position that the Patriots are going to love. He’s undersized, but he plays like his hair is on fire. He also provides special teams upside, which is a must for Day 3 linebackers. Even if he doesn’t pan out at his listed position, at least there is a path to him onto the field. He’s a project but as a a modern day linebacker could be what the Patriots are looking for.

Round 7

**7-247: ED Keyshawn James-Newby (New Mexico | No. N/A):**James-Newby is almost the polar opposite of Gabe Jacas. He is a speed rusher who didn’t really flash until his final two seasons in college football, both spent at small schools; he racked up 29.5 sacks and 19.5 TFL’s in the last two years combined at Idaho and New Mexico. He doesn’t have a ton of power, but the speed he brings off the edge is going to be a problem for tackles. He has a chance to make the team as a special teams guy, and could turn into a pass rushing specialist. The Patriots hit on Elijah Ponder in a similar situation as an undrafted free agent last year, and I like trying to do the same with James-Newby.

Undrafted free agency

As a bonus, I am going to include some UDFAs that I think the Patriots might target should they become available:

• QB Jalon Daniels (Kansas)
• RB Desmond Reid (Pitt)
• WR Aaron Anderson (LSU)
• WR Lewis Bond (Boston College)
• TE John Michael-Gyllenborg (Wyoming)
• OL Micah Morris (Georgia)
• DT Skyler Gil-Howard (Texas Tech)
• CB Mory Bamba (BYU)
• S Cole Wisniewski (Texas Tech) *So, there you have: officially the final Pats Pulpit mock draft of 2026. As always, please head down to the comment section to share your thoughts on the picks and what players you would like to see end up in New England either through the draft or rookie free agency.*