NFL mock draft projects Patriots select emerging TE in first round

The arrival of spring brought with it a new array of top prospects heavily forecasted to go to the New England Patriots with the No. 31 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Arizona State right tackle Max Iheanachor and Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers join Clemson defensive end T.J. Parker as the players heavily forecasted to land with the Patriots at No. 31 overall. The Patriots will have the chance to select several prospects that meet their needs on all three days of the draft, particularly at wide receiver and defensive end, with pick No. 31 being the tone-setter of the event.

According to NFL.com’s Chad Reuter, the Patriots go with Stowers at No. 31 overall with high hopes that his offensive potential reaches its maturity in New England.

“I won't be surprised if a team selects Stowers in Round 1, given his athletic profile, which reminds me of past first-round TEs Noah Fant and Evan Engram,” Reuter said. “The Patriots could use a receiving tight end to replace Austin Hooper.”

Stowers went for 769 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 2025 at Vanderbilt. The Texas native is being considered by several teams, including the Patriots, as a potential wide receiver at the NFL level, making him all the more valuable for New England to target to address their needs on offense.

After Stowers, New England selects UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence at No. 63 overall in the second round, and BYU linebacker Jack Kelly (No. 95) in the third round on Day 2, followed by Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley (No. 125) and Iowa State defensive tackle Domonique Orange (No. 131) in the fourth round, as well as Navy running back Eli Heidenreich (No. 171) in the fifth.