Patriots Predicted To Add 12.5-Sack ACC Edge Rusher In Early 2027 Mock Draft

Clemson Tigers defensive end Will Heldt

Patriots Predicted To Add 12.5-Sack ACC Edge Rusher In Early 2027 Mock Draft originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The 2026 NFL Draft concluded on Saturday, and it's never too early to start considering which players the New England Patriots might target in the 2027 NFL Draft.

CBS Sports' Cooper Petagna released an early mock draft on Saturday, projecting the Patriots to select Clemson pass rusher Will Heldt with the 25th pick.

"A former Purdue transfer, Heldt is coming off a strong 7.5-sack campaign in his first season under Dabo Swinney. A long, sudden mover at 6-foot-6 and 260 pounds, he has a knack for making plays in the backfield, pairing strong instincts with the ability to impact both the run and pass," Petagna wrote.

Heldt is entering his fourth season in college football and his second with Clemson. Over the course of 37 career college games, he has tallied 26.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks.

Heldt has a strong chance of having another standout season, which could push him into the top 15 picks. There's still a full season of football ahead before we can seriously start evaluating players for next year's draft class, but Heldt is definitely someone Patriots fans should keep an eye on this season.

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