7-round mock draft: Patriots get aggressive in final projection

Round 1

**TRADE: Patriots trade 1-31 and 4-125 to 49ers for 1-27:** In this mock, the Patriots make a move up to make sure they get the offensive tackle they want. And that offensive is… **1-27 OT Max Iheanachor (Arizona State | No. 36):** Mike Vrabel drew headlines for his hand-on work with the Arizona State tackle at his Pro Day a few weeks ago. The Nigerian offensive lineman didn’t start playing football until 2021, but he took to it quickly playing over 2,000 snaps at right tackle for the Sun Devils. Finding a long-term solution at right tackle to take over for Morgan Moses is an imperative for the Patriots, and the raw-but-athletic Iheanachor would get a year of seasoning before being forced into the fray. With that development, his size and movement skills could make him a high-level blocker on the front side of run plays.

Round 2

**TRADE: Patriots trade 2-63 and 4-131 to Jaguars for 2-56:** After moving up to secure a tackle in the first round, the Patriots move up once again with their eyes on a tight end. **2-56: TE Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt | No. 49):** With Hunter Henry not getting any younger, tight end is a position of need for the Patriots. Some late buzz has connected them with Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers. A converted quarterback after shoulder injuries caused him to change positions, Stowers led all FBS tight ends with 769 receiving yards in 2025. While he doesn’t add much as a blocker, the 5th-year senior is fast and explosive in the passing game both before and after the catch. Paired with Drake Maye, Stowers has potential to be a dynamic weapon over the middle of the field.

Round 3

**3-95: ED Jaishawn Barham (Michigan | No. 87):** Barham played linebacker for Michigan in 2024 before moving to the edge in 2025. That move generated four sacks and 10 tackles for loss for the fourth-year senior in his first year at the new position. Barham is experienced, starting 47 of 48 games in his college career, and explosive off the edge. In a New England defense looking to add speed up front to build on a blitz-heavy approach, Barham is appealing for what he adds as a pass rusher and his versatility to drop into coverage in more complex play calls.

Round 5

**4-171: OG Jeremiah Wright (Auburn | No. 172):** New England brought in Auburn right guard Jeremiah Wright for a top-30 visit this draft cycle, and his rank on consensus boards lines up nicely with where the team picks. Add in his power to win and finish blocks in a gap scheme as a run blocker, and he’s a great fit for what the Patriots do on offense. Wright is an older prospect who will be 25 years old as a rookie, in part because he switched between the offensive and defensive lines for his first two years of college before carving out a role on offense. He also had a torn ACL in 2021.

Round 6

**6-191: LB Red Murdock (Buffalo | No. 185):** Eliot Wolf said that this draft has depth at linebacker on day three. In this mock, the Patriots take advantage by selecting Buffalo linebacker Red Murdock. Murdock was a team captain who forced an FBS-record 17 career fumbles forced. He’s a true run-stuffer who tackles hard and flows well to the ball. He profiles as an interesting Jack Gibbens replacement. **6-198: ED George Gumbs Jr. (Florida | No. 192):** George Gumbs enters the 2026 NFL Draft as an edge rusher out of Florida, but he took roundabout path to end up there. Gumbs was recruited as a wide receiver before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his senior season of high school. He ended up at Northern Illinois as a preferred walk-on in 2021, moved to tight end in 2022, and then again to edge rusher in 2023 where he broke out with 6.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. From there, he was recruited by Florida in the transfer portal and started 12 games between 2024 and 2025 for the Gators, recording 14.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks in 22 games played. Gumbs is a great athlete who has worked hard to improve with every season. **6-202: S Dalton Johnson (Arizona | No. 220):** Johnson is an undersized safety, but he’s fast, tough, and always around the ball. The fifth-year senior led Arizona in both interceptions and tackles in 2025 while also being a team captain. Johnson also played a ton of special teams for the Wildcats, and his speed and toughness project well to the next level in that aspect of the game. **6-212: WR C.J. Daniels (Miami | No. 245):** You may know C.J. Daniels from his highlight-reel grab on opening weekend of last year’s college football season. He had over 1,000 yards at Liberty in 2023 before turning in decent years at LSU in 2024 and as part of Miami’s national championship runner-up group in 2025. Daniels is big, physical, and with a penchant for big grabs. He is likely a big slot at the NFL level who could learn from Mack Hollins in that role.

Round 7

**7-247: P Brett Thorson (Georgia | No. 282):** Thorson is a big-legged Australian punter who won the Ray Guy award at Georgia last season. With Bryce Baringer’s struggles last postseason, especially in inclement weather, investing in some competition at the position seems like a wise investment. *What picks do you like? What would you change? Please share your thoughts on this mock draft in the comment section below.*