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Patriots 2026 NFL Draft Preview: Best guard fits after offseason moves
TL;DR
The Patriots revamped their offensive line by trading center Garrett Bradbury and signing guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, who has a history of injuries. With Michael Onwenu's contract expiring, the team is likely to target another guard in the upcoming NFL draft.
The Patriots decided to revamp the interior of their offensive line this offseason.
It started when they traded starting center Garrett Bradbury to the Chicago Bears. That allowed them to shift left guard Jared Wilson to the center position. In free agency, they signed veteran guard Alijah Vera-Tucker.
Vera-Tucker represents an upgrade at guard for the Patriots, but comes with risks after suffering three season-ending injuries in the last four years. On top of that, Patriots right guard Michael Onwenu enters this season in the final year of his contract extension.
That’s why the Patriots would be wise to select another guard in this year’s NFL draft.
Under Josh McDaniels, the Patriots had a prototype when it came to drafting guards and centers. The average drafted player stood 6-foot-3 and weighed 310 pounds. His average Combine times were as follows: 5.19 40 time, 28-inch vertical, 26 reps on the bench press, 8-foot-8-inch broad jump, 7.80 3-cone and 4.62 shuttle times.
Here are the best fits in the 2026 NFL Draft:
Ideal target**:** Billy Schrauth, Notre Dame
| HT | WT | 40 | Vert | BP | Broad | 3Cone | Shttle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-5 | 310 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Schrauth has good size at 6-foot-5, 310 pounds. He has experience starting at both guard spots, but has more experience at left guard, starting 16 games the last two years. Schrauth earned Second-Team All-American honors last season. He was also a team captain. Schrauth earned praise at Notre Dame for his leadership and work ethic. He’s projected to go in the third or fourth round.
Best athletic fit**:** Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M
| HT | WT | 40 | Vert | BP | Broad | 3Cone | Shttle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-5 | 315 | 5.02 | 32 | 29 | 8′9 | 7.53 | 4.78 |
Bisontis leads all interior offensive linemen with seven hits on his measurements and Combine marks. He misses only on the shuttle time. Bisontis is one of the best guards in this draft. He’s considered a first or second-round prospect. He started the last two seasons at Texas A&M at left guard, earning Third Team All-SEC honors last year. Bisontis started his collegiate career as a right tackle, earning Freshman All-American honors. He’s also started a game at right guard.
Keep an eye on**:** Jeremiah Wright, Auburn
| HT | WT | 40 | Vert | BP | Broad | 3Cone | Shttle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-5 | 331 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Wright is a 6-foot-5, 331-pound guard who started his collegiate career as a defensive tackle. He has experience at both spots, but he started the last two seasons at right guard for Auburn. Wright is a powerful blocker with good length for the guard position. He’s also a high-character person who earned praise for his work ethic. The Patriots met with Wright at his Pro Day and then had him in for an official pre-draft visit. He’s a projected fifth or sixth-round pick.
Later-round option**:** Fernando Carmona, Arkansas
| HT | WT | 40 | Vert | BP | Broad | 3Cone | Shttle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-5 | 316 | 5.22 | N/A | 26 | 8′7 | 7.5 | 4.75 |
At 6-foot-5, 316 pounds, Carmona started his collegiate career as a left tackle at San Jose State. He transferred to Arkansas and started at left tackle in 2024, earning Third Team All-SEC honors. He transitioned to left guard last season and earned Second Team All-SEC honors. A team captain, Carmona was said to be an outstanding leader at Arkansas. He projects as a versatile backup in the NFL. He’s a projected sixth-round pick.
Patriots connection**:** Logan Taylor, Boston College
| HT | WT | 40 | Vert | BP | Broad | 3Cone | Shttle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-7 | 314 | 5.18 | N/A | N/A | 9′0 | 7.75 | 4.84 |
Taylor has great size at 6-foot-7, 314 pounds. He began his collegiate career at Virginia as a tackle. He transferred to Boston College and moved to guard in 2024. Taylor started at right guard (eight games), left tackle (three games), and right tackle (one game) last season. Taylor started 11 games at left guard the year before. He earned Second Team All-ACC honors. Taylor was named a captain last season. He worked with Patriots offensive line coach Doug Marrone in 2024. Taylor’s been working with former Patriots offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia this offseason. He’s a projected fourth-round pick.
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Q&A
What changes did the Patriots make to their offensive line this offseason?
The Patriots traded center Garrett Bradbury and signed guard Alijah Vera-Tucker to improve their offensive line.
Why is Alijah Vera-Tucker considered a risk for the Patriots?
Alijah Vera-Tucker has suffered three season-ending injuries in the last four years, making him a risky addition.
What is the status of Michael Onwenu's contract with the Patriots?
Michael Onwenu is entering the final year of his contract extension with the Patriots.
Which position are the Patriots likely to target in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Patriots are likely to select another guard in the 2026 NFL Draft to strengthen their offensive line.
