Karen Guregian: Patriots 7-round mock draft 2.0

Q: What are the New England Patriots' top needs for the NFL Draft?

The Patriots' top needs are edge rusher, offensive tackle, and tight end.

Q: Why is the offensive tackle position a priority for the Patriots in the draft?

The offensive tackle position is a priority due to the aging of Morgan Moses and the limited options available in the draft.

Q: How does the depth of the draft affect the Patriots' strategy for edge rusher and tight end?

The draft offers more quality depth at edge rusher and tight end, allowing the Patriots to prioritize these positions beyond the first round.

Q: Who is Max Iheanachor and what is his significance in the Patriots' draft considerations?

Max Iheanachor is a player who impressed at Arizona State’s Pro Day, indicating he may be a candidate for the Patriots in the draft.

The Patriots top three needs - assuming a trade for a star receiver remains in the cards - are edge rusher, offensive tackle and tight end in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Since there’s more quality depth at edge rusher and tight end in this draft beyond the first round, and not as much with tackle, this mock takes that into account.

With Morgan Moses getting up in age, it’s time to find the future right tackle.

Mike Vrabel certainly put Max Iheanachor through the paces during Arizona State’s Pro Day last month.

So for the purposes of my second stab at a 7-round Patriots mock draft, the guess here is that Vrabel was impressed enough to take Iheanchor with the first pick.

Tight end is handled in the fourth round, with two edge rushers (2nd and 6th rounds) taken early and late to beef up that position.

First round, pick 31: Max Iheanachor, OT Arizona State

Arizona State offensive lineman Max Iheanachor (29) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)AP

Iheanachor has been a fast riser up draft boards at his position.

He didn’t start playing football until 2021 when he began college at the JUCO level (East Los Angeles), but has started the last two seasons at right tackle at Arizona State.

He’s 6-foot-6, 321 pounds and boasts plus athleticism.

Given his ability to move, his lateral agility, and general football traits - build, play strength, quickness - scouts love him as a future right tackle.

With Moses having turned 35 in March, the timing is right to nab another outside anchor on the offensive line in front of Drake Maye.

Second round, pick 63: Gabe Jacas, Edge, Illinois

American Team defensive lineman Gabe Jacas (52), of Illinois, runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)AP

With all of the positive buzz about Jacas recently, the Patriots might have to move up the board in the second round to get him.

In any case, with an offensive tackle taken in the first, edge rusher should be next on the docket.

And whether a move is needed or not, Jacas would be a great get.

He’s 6-foot-4, 260 pounds and breaks offensive linemen with his tenaciousness, strength and no-quit attitude.

He’s good against the run, and if he gets into the backfield, makes plays. In 2025, he led the Illini with 13 tackles for loss. He also had 11 sacks, and three forced fumbles.

He was a team captain for the Illini and plays with the type of violence the Patriots are looking for in their edge rushers.

Third round, pick 95: Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State

Penn State football safety Zakee Wheatley at Pro Day in Holuba Hall on March 18, 2026. March 18, 2026. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.comDan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com

The Patriots need help behind Kevin Byard and Craig Woodson and Wheatley has the flexibility to play in a variety of alignments.

At 6-foot-3, 203 pounds, he’s long and athletic. One draft magazine referred to him as a “gazelle-like athlete.”

He reads the run well, and has a good feel for reading routes.

He led the Nittany Lions in solo tackles in 2024 and finished second in 2025.

With Byard on a one-year deal, it makes sense for the Patriots to snag Woodson’s next secondary partner.

Fourth round, pick 125: De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss

Mississippi wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling (1) pushes into the end zone past Arkansas defensive back Kani Walker (13) for a six-yard touchdown pass reception during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. Mississippi won 41-35. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)AP

Whether the Patriots land A.J. Brown or not, they still need to keep taking kicks at the can in the draft for receiver talent.

Stribling is 6-foot-2, 207 pounds. He ran a 4.36 40-yard dash. With that speed, he accelerates quickly, allowing him to beat coverage deep.

He has good ball skills (36-inch vertical), has good hands and has the talent and toughness to be effective at the next level.

He’s also competitive as a blocker in the run game. The Patriots have had contact with him through the draft process.

Fourth round, pick 131: Jack Endries, TE, Texas

Texas tight end Jack Endries, second from left,is pulled down by Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell, left, during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman)AP

Tight end is a sneaky important need. With Hunter Henry turning 32 before year’s end, along with being in the final year of his deal, they need to develop another pass-catching tight end to play alongside him.

The Pats did add Julian Hill in free agency. But he’s more of a blocking tight end. They need a No. 2 next to Henry.

Endries was a reliable target the past three seasons catching passes from Fernando Mendoza while playing for Cal, and then Arch Manning his lone season with Texas.

In his final 28 college starts, he had just one drop.

He’s 6-foot-5, 245 pounds, and has served as an adequate blocker.

Fifth round, pick 171: Jack Kelly, LB, BYU

BYU linebacker Jack Kelly (17) gestures during the second half of an NCAA college football game, against Utah Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/George Frey)AP

While the Patriots have Robert Spillane, Christian Ellis, and newly acquired K.J. Britt, who essentially takes the spot of Jack Gibbens, who left in free agency, the team could still use some reinforcements.

Martu Mapu was also traded.

Kelly was a two-time captain at BYU who performed well against the run. He has good speed (4.57-second 40-yard dash) that allowed him to make plays.

Over two seasons with the Cougars, he had 15 sacks, 23.5 tackles for loss and 106 tackles.

At the very least, he projects as a core special teams player who could rise into a more prominent role with the defense.

Sixth round, pick 191: Kaleb Proctor, DT, Southern Louisiana

Southeastern Louisiana defensive lineman Kaleb Proctor (25) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)ASSOCIATED PRESS

Given he’s drawn some comparisons to Milton Williams during the pre-draft process, it’s hard to ignore him as a potential Patriots pick.

The Southland Conference Player of the Year led the team with 13 tackles for loss, and 9 sacks.

He’s athletic, gets off blocks quickly and boasts plenty of intangibles and qualities the Patriots are looking for.

After losing Khyiris Tonga, the Patriots could use more help up front. He’s 6-foot-2, 291 pounds, has an “explosive” first step and has a nose for getting to the quarterback.

Sixth round, pick 198: Nadame Tucker, Edge, Western Michigan

Western Michigan defensive lineman Nadame Tucker (61) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)AP

It makes sense for the Patriots to nab two edge rushers in the draft. Along with Jacas, adding Tucker, the MAC Defensive Player of the Year, would be beneficial.

He boasted a nation-leading 21 tackles for loss this year, to go along with 14.5 sacks and four forced fumbles in 13 games.

While he dominated weaker competition, some might question how he’ll fare making the jump to the NFL.

At the very least, he could be a rotational rusher.

Sixth round, pick 202: Le’Veon Moss, RB, Texas A & M

Texas A&M running back Le'Veon Moss, No. 8, carries for a touchdown in the first half of an NCAA college football game against LSU in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)AP

It makes sense for the Patriots to add a running back during the draft to work in behind the one-two punch of Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson.

While Moss has been a bit injury prone over the last three seasons with hamstring, knee (torn MCL/ACL) and ankle injuries, he fits what the Patriots would be looking for.

He’s 5-foot-11, 203 pounds and adept at gaining yards after contact.

He profiles as a good backup who can shoulder a larger workload if needed.

Sixth round, pick 212: Sawyer Robertson, QB, Baylor

Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson (16) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)AP

He has plenty of physical traits (6-foot-4, 216 pounds), and arm talent, but still needs developing.

He was a two-year starter at Baylor, playing his best season as a senior. He ranked No. 2 in the FBS last season in passing yards per game (306.8). He threw 31 touchdown passes with 12 interceptions.

He’s primarily a pocket quarterback but has the athleticism to move and be effective with zone reads.

He has a quick release and does well with off-platform throws. Needs to work on accuracy.

Seventh round, pick 247: Logan Taylor, T/G, Boston College

Boston College offensive lineman Logan Taylor (49) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)AP

The Patriots spent time with Taylor at BC’s Pro Day.

The 6-foot-7, 314-pound lineman, who hails from Nova Scotia, has the versatility to play guard or center, although his natural position is guard.

During this past season, he was second-team All-ACC. He started all 12 games with eight at right guard, three at left tackle, and one at right tackle.

He worked with Patriots legend Dante Scarnecchia during the pre-draft process and given how many positions he can play, profiles well as a backup.