The Patriots have 11 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, focusing on enhancing their defense. Rumors suggest a potential trade for star wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Eagles may influence their draft strategy.
Key points
Patriots have 11 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft
Focus on enhancing their defense
Rumors of a trade for A.J. Brown
Potential deal with the Eagles may materialize after June 1
Draft strategy may shift based on A.J. Brown acquisition
After making a run to the Super Bowl, the Patriots will enter the 2026 NFL Draft with 11 total picks. While the team's immediate priority is building on the success of the 2025 campaign by adding young talent to the roster, it's impossible to ignore the recent rumors surrounding a potential deal involving a star wide receiver.
Conversations around A.J. Brown have intensified with reports indicating that a deal with the Eagles is likely to materialize after June 1 because of salary cap considerations. If the Pats truly believe that they will acquire Brown this summer, they can shift their focus to other positions during the draft.
With that context in mind, let's get into a final mock draft before the clock starts ticking.
How many picks do the Patriots have in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Patriots have a total of 11 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
What positions will the Patriots focus on in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Patriots are expected to focus on enhancing their defense during the 2026 NFL Draft.
What are the rumors surrounding A.J. Brown and the Patriots?
There are rumors that a trade involving A.J. Brown from the Eagles is likely to happen after June 1.
How might the potential trade for A.J. Brown affect the Patriots' draft strategy?
If the Patriots acquire A.J. Brown, they may shift their draft focus to other positions rather than wide receiver.
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Clemson offensive lineman Blake Miller
Clemson offensive lineman Blake Miller
Mar 1, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Clemson offensive lineman Blake Miller (OL35) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
For the Patriots, this isn't just about drafting a tackle; it's about drafting an insurance policy for the franchise's future. Drake Maye's MVP-caliber season proved that he has an extremely high ceiling, but it also showed that his career won't last very long if he isn't protected.
Miller enters the league after logging more than 3,700 career snaps at Clemson. He is a Day 1 stabilizer who set a school record with 54 straight starts.
Ultimately, this pick signals a refusal to reach. Rather than settling for a receiver from Tier 2, New England is choosing a solid anchor.
Scott occupied the nickel spot at Miami, but he functioned as a multi-level defensive weapon. His performance throughout Miami's playoff run solidified his reputation as a big-game player who thrives under pressure.
Scott's extensive experience could make him a Day 1 starter. His blazing speed and technical discipline should immediately provide a boost for the New England secondary.
Height's appeal lies in a rare athletic profile that suggests he is only scratching the surface of his potential. At 6-3 and 240 pounds, he posted an eye-popping 39-inch vertical jump and a 1.63-second 10-yard split.
While he is currently viewed as a developmental prospect who needs to add bulk to his frame, his bend allows him to close on quarterbacks with terrifying speed. He is a high-motor edge rusher who already possesses the lateral fluidity to survive at the next level.
Round 4, Pick 125: VJ Payne, S, Kansas State
A four-year starter and team captain at Kansas State, Payne is a high-floor defender. Standing at 6-3 and 208 pounds with a massive wingspan, he has the frame to match up with bigger tight ends and receivers.
While he might not have the elite twitch of a nickel corner, his 4.40 speed and disciplined eyes prevent him from being easily beat over the top. For a team that values versatility and pre-snap communication, Payne is an ideal developmental safety.
Round 4, Pick 131: Kevin Coleman Jr., WR, Missouri
Missouri Tigers wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr.
Missouri Tigers wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr.
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Missouri wideout Kevin Coleman (WO15) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Coleman spent the 2025 season as the focal point of the Missouri offense, totaling 66 receptions and 732 yards. The Patriots lack a slot receiver, giving Coleman a path to be a contributor.
Beyond his utility as a receiver, he gives New England a dangerous option in the return game. He returned a punt for a touchdown averaged more than 12 yards per return in 2025.
Round 5, Pick 171:Ā Zxavian Harris, DT, Ole Miss
Standing at a towering 6-8 and weighing 330 pounds, Harris was a monster last season, racking up 58 tackles, nine tackles for a loss and three sacks. His sheer size makes him a natural wall against the run, and he has shown a knack for using his reach to disrupt the game in other ways, blocking multiple kicks during his college career.
While there are flaws to his game that make him a long-term project, Harris has a high ceiling. If the Patriots can refine his technique and help him maximize his physical tools, Harris could become a disruptive force.
Round 6, Pick 191:Ā Dae'Quan Wright, TE, Ole Miss
A standout for an Ole Miss offense that ranked among the most explosive in the country, Wright finished his 2025 campaign with 39 receptions for 635 yards and five touchdowns. After starting his career at Virginia Tech, Wright's transition to Lane Kiffin's system allowed him to showcase a versatile skill set.
Wright is an explosive athlete who excels on crossing routes, as his speed and frame make him a nightmare for linebackers to track. For New England, he represents a high-upside project behind Hunter Henry.
Round 6, Pick 198: Pat Coogan, OG, Indiana
Fernando Mendoza, Pat Coogan
Fernando Mendoza, Pat Coogan
Coogan started 42 out of 46 games in college, spanning from guard at Notre Dame to the center of Indiana's 2025 national championship team. Coogan's versatility is what stands out, making him an intriguing late-round selection.
Coogan is widely regarded as an elite leader and a high-IQ processor who can diagnose defensive fronts and communicate adjustments. With extensive experience at both center and guard, he serves as an immediate high-end backup who has the technical foundation to blossom into a long-term starter.
Round 6, Pick 202: TJ Hall, CB, Iowa
Hall finished the year with 47 tackles, 10 passes defended and an interception. He earned an 84.4 run-defense grade from PFF, which ranked him 55th among all cornerbacks in the country.
In the Patriots' system, Hall projects as a versatile defender. He could eventually transition into a hybrid safety role.
Round 6, Pick 212: Red Murdock, LB, Buffalo
Over the final two seasons of his collegiate career, Murdock had nearly 300 total tackles, serving as the heart of the Bulls' defense. His 2025 campaign was particularly disruptive, as he recorded a career-high five sacks and six forced fumbles.
While Murdock's game currently suffers in passing situations, his value as a downhill run defender is undeniable. He is an ideal candidate for a backup linebacker role and primary spot on the special teams unit.
Round 7, Pick 247: Lorenzo Styles Jr., S, Ohio State
A former wide receiver who transitioned to the defensive side of the ball, Styles brings a unique perspective to the secondary, utilizing his offensive background to anticipate routes.
Styles cemented his status as an elite developmental prospect at the NFL Combine, where he delivered one of the most explosive performances in the event's history. He posted an impressive 40-yard dash time of 4.27 seconds and a 39-inch vertical jump.
