7 offensive tackle fits for the Patriots in the NFL Draft

AUSTIN, TEXAS - DECEMBER 21: Blake Miller #78 of the Clemson Tigers lines up prior to the snap during the second half of the Playoff First Round Game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The 2026 NFL Draft is less than three weeks away as the New England Patriots continue the process of finishing their board. Things will look quite different for the team this draft picking 31st overall after back-to-back years selecting in the top-five. Even with one of those previous selections being left tackle Will Campbell, the Patriots could again use their first pick this season at offensive tackle — or wait to add depth on Day 3.

So, with that said, let’s take a look at some of the prospects that might make sense for the Patriots at the position.

Patriots’ current offensive tackle situation

The Patriots have been firm this offseason in their belief in Will Campbell at left tackle. Now healthy, they expect the 22-year-old Campbell to take a step forward in his development after a poor performance in the playoffs and Super Bowl LX following a knee injury.

Opposite of Campbell returns veteran Morgan Moses. The 35-year-old is coming off a strong season in which he started all 21 games, but the Patriots will be on the lookout for his potential successor.

Filling in the depth chart behind the starting duo also remains on the to-do list as top backup Vederian Lowe departed in free agency and Thayer Munford Jr. remains on the open market. Currently, just 2025 seventh-round pick Marcus Bryant remains on the depth chart from last year’s active roster while the team added James Hudson III in the third week of free agency. Lorenz Metz and Sebastian Gutierrez return after ending last year on the practice squad.

Patriots NFL Draft fits at offensive tackle

Blake Miller (Clemson): A four-year starter at right tackle, Miller is as durable as they come playing 54 straight games over his career and setting the Clemson record for career offensive snaps played (3,778). He’s an impressive athlete with long, 34-plus inch arms and plays with a mean demeanor that certainly will attract Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. | Consensus ranking: 28

Max Iheanachor (Arizona State): After immigrating to the US at age 13, Iheanachor did not start playing football until 2021. That leaves work to do in his technique, but Iheanachor has already shown great promise at right tackle and has the ideal size and athletic profile for the position. The Patriots hosted Iheanachor on a 30 visit before Vrabel ran through an on-field workout with him at Arizona State’s Pro Day. | Consensus ranking: 36

Dametrious Crownover (Texas A&M): Crownover has the size (6’7) and measurables (35-plus inch arms) any team looks for at the tackle position. But after making the switch from tight end to offensive tackle in 2022, his skillset remains raw and he was flagged 11 times last season which may set the course for a developmental season as a rookie. Crownover predominately played right tackle for the Aggies. | Consensus ranking: 104

Jude Bowry (Boston College): New England is quite familiar with Bowry as they were in attendance for his Pro Day and the former Eagle overlapped with Patriots offensive line coach Doug Marrone in Chestnut Hill. A team captain for Bill O’Brien last season, Bowry is a good athlete who explodes off the ball and has experience at both tackle spots. | Consensus ranking: 117

Markel Bell (Miami): Measuring in a 6-foot-9, 346 pounds, Bell is a mountain of a man at the tackle position. Bell moves fairly well for his size and can easily shut down rushers behind his massive frame and 36-plus inch arms — he allowed zero sacks last season. All of his playing time over the last two years at Miami came at left tackle. | Consensus ranking: 124

Austin Barber (Florida): Barber enters the draft with plenty of starting experience (39 starts) in the SEC at both left and right tackle. He’s a physical tackle who moves well in space as a former basketball player. His technique must improve as well as cutting down on the penalties (29 over the last four seasons), but Barber has the makings of a swing tackle. | Consensus ranking: 126

Travis Burke (Memphis): Another giant tackle measuring is over 6-foot-8 and roughly 330 pounds. Burke plays with a high level of violence as he looks to finish defenders into the ground and moves people in the run game. The fifth-year senior enters the draft with 46 games of starting experience across both tackle positions and spent time in New England on a 30 visit. | Consensus ranking: 187

In addition to those players, Kadyn Proctor (Alabama) and Caleb Lomu (Utah) are potential first-round options should they make it as far as the Patriots’ selection. Other names to watch include: Diego Pounds (Ole Miss), Fa’alili Fa’amoe (Wake Forest), Drew Shelton (Penn State), J.C. Davis (Illinois), and Isaiah World (Oregon), who is rehabbing a torn ACL. Caleb Tiernan (Northwestern) is the highest-ranked player on Day 2 but is viewed by many as a guard.