
Spoelstra: No need to penalize Ball any further
Erik Spoelstra supports no further penalties for LaMelo Ball after flagrant foul.
The New England Patriots hold the No. 31 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a position that has seen notable players selected over the past decade. Key players drafted at this spot since 2016 include Jihaad Campbell and Sony Michel, among others.
The New England Patriots own the No. 31 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The penultimate pick of the first round has produced several players over the last 10 years that serve as teachable selections for the Patriots in their preparation for the pick this year.
Letās take a look at the players that were taken at No. 31 overall since 2016, who made the most out of their career, as well as who the Patriots have the potential to see on the board in 2026.
Michel quickly found favor in the Patriotsā offense under former coach Bill Belichick upon entering the league in 2018. He recorded 209 carries for 931 rushing yards, as well as six rushing touchdowns as a rookie. Michel was a fringe-1,000-yard rusher again in 2019 with 912 yards on the ground. After leaving New England, the two-time Super Bowl champion finished his career enjoying stints with the Los Angeles Rams (2021), Miami Dolphins (2022) and the Los Angeles Chargers (2022) before retiring from the NFL in 2023.
Gladney only lasted one season in the league. The Texas native recorded a forced fumble, as well as three passes defended, across 16 games played, 15 of which he started for Minnesota in 2020. He was waived by the Vikings prior to the start of the 2021 season.
The Patriots need a wide receiver, as well as an edge rusher, heading into the draft. Linebacker and a versatile offensive lineman capable of playing on the right side are also positions of need for New England this offseason. Players that have the potential to go at the end of the first round that best suit the Patriotsā needs are Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion, Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers and Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Every player drafted with the No. 31 overall pick in the last 10 years
Players drafted at No. 31 from 2016 to 2025 include Germain Ifedi, Reuben Foster, Sony Michel, Kaleb McGary, Jeff Gladney, Odafe Oweh, Daxton Hill, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Ricky Pearsall, and Jihaad Campbell.
Many No. 31 overall picks have made significant contributions to their teams, with players like Sony Michel helping the Patriots win a Super Bowl and others establishing themselves as key starters.
The Patriots should analyze the success of previous No. 31 picks and focus on selecting a player who can fill a critical need or provide immediate impact, similar to past successful selections.

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