The Patriots are focusing on strengthening their edge rusher, tackle, and tight end positions in the 2026 NFL Draft. Coach Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf aim to address future needs, including receiver, guard, and safety.
Key points
Patriots need to strengthen edge rusher, tackle, and tight end positions
Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf are collaborating on draft strategies
The entire rookie class from last season made the 53-man roster
Future needs include receiver, guard, and safety positions
Mentioned in this story
New England PatriotsMike VrabelEliot Wolf
FOXBOROUGH - At this point, it’s clear what areas of need the Patriots have in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.
After free agency, Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf still need to reinforce their edge rusher, tackle and tight end positions. Last week, Wolf also said the Patriots will add players to positions of future need based on the team’s upcoming free agent class next offseason. Positions to watch there are receiver, guard and safety.
Last year marked the first time that Wolf and Vrabel worked together, and the Patriots’ draft worked out well as the entire rookie class finished the season on the 53-man roster.
On Tuesday, Vrabel said that his rapport with Wolf has improved since then regarding the type of players and prospects he covets.
“We’re in constant communication. I think just each and every day there’s more comfort, and it really kind of just kind of flows,” Vrabel said. “Nothing’s forced. I think these conversations were just kind of getting started last year with the draft process. That’s an important process, and one that happened pretty quickly in everyone’s just relationship and getting to know him. I feel like we did a good job, had a lot of guys that helped us and contributed from that rookie class. So hopefully we can continue to do that.”
Here’s a look at the top 10 fits for the Patriots in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft:
Max Iheanachor, tackle, Arizona State
Arizona State offensive lineman Max Iheanachor (58) looks to block BYU defensive end Isaiah Bagnah (13) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)AP
Iheanachor is a durable, athletic tackle prospect. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 321 pounds, he’s a good athlete, as evidenced by his 4.91 40-yard dash. He played right tackle all three seasons at Arizona State. He earned Second Team All-Big 12 honors last year. Iheanachor didn’t allow a sack last season, according to Pro Football Focus. At 22, he’ll need some time to develop. He had a pre-draft visit with the Patriots. Vrabel also worked him out at his Pro Day. He’s a projected first or second-round pick.
Q&A
What positions do the Patriots need to fill in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Patriots need to reinforce their edge rusher, tackle, and tight end positions.
Who are Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf in relation to the Patriots?
Mike Vrabel is the head coach of the Patriots, and Eliot Wolf is a key decision-maker involved in the team's draft strategy.
How did the Patriots' rookie class perform last season?
The entire rookie class from last season finished the year on the 53-man roster, indicating a successful draft.
What future needs did the Patriots identify for the upcoming offseason?
The Patriots identified receiver, guard, and safety as positions to watch for future needs based on their upcoming free agent class.
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BETTING: New England is listed at +194 to draft an offensive lineman during Thursday’s NFL Draft on Kalshi. You can also view our guide to the best Massachusetts sportsbooks to shop for the best odds. Additionally, visit our Patriots Draft Preview guide for more insights.
Zion Young, edge rusher, Missouri
Missouri defensive end Zion Young. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)AP
Young is a strong and violent edge rusher. He has great size at 6-foot-6, 262 pounds and plays with a good combination of speed and power. It’s easy to see his style of play fitting in with Vrabel, who wants his pass rushers to be violent. He had 6.5 sacks to go with 42 tackles, 16.5 for loss, and two forced fumbles last season. Young is solid against the run and the pass. He earned Second Team All-SEC honors last season. A team captain, Young met with the Patriots at the Combine and had a pre-draft visit in New England. He’s a projected first or second-round pick.
Blake Miller, tackle, Clemson
Clemson offensive lineman Blake Miller (78) plays against Syracuse in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)AP
Miller led all tackles at the Combine with seven hits on prototypical Patriots testing numbers. A four-year starter at Clemson, he started every game played over four years and set a school record for offensive snaps played (3,778). At 6-foot-6, 318 pounds, Miller has the prototypical size you look for in a tackle prospect. He mainly started at right tackle, but made two starts on the left side in 2024. He earned First Team All-ACC honors the last two seasons. He was also voted a team captain last year. He’s a projected first-round pick.
Cashius Howell, edge rusher, Texas A&M
Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)AP
Eliot Wolf said he’s looking for an edge rusher who would bring speed to the defense. Howell would do just that. He’s an athletic, twitchy pass rusher with a great burst off the line of scrimmage. He’s athletic enough to drop into coverage and has had 14 pass breakups over the last two seasons. HHowell had 11 sacks, 31 tackles, 14.5 for loss, six pass breakups and a forced fumble last year. He was a unanimous All-American and SEC Defensive Player of the Year. The Patriots met with him at the NFL Combine. He’s a projected first or second-round pick.
Sam Roush, tight end, Stanford
Stanford tight end Sam Roush (86) runs against California defensive back Dru Polidore Jr. (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Stanford, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)AP
Roush hits on seven prototypical traits that the Patriots have looked for in tight ends and misses on 3-cone and shuttle times. He’s a 6-foot-6, 267-pound prospect who’s a natural in-line tight end. He’s a willing run blocker who adds value in pass protection. Roush also has capable hands. Last season, he caught 49 passes for 545 yards with two touchdowns. He earned Second-team All-ACC honors. He’s projected to be drafted in the third or fourth round.
Eli Stowers, tight end, Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers plays against Utah State during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)AP
Stowers is a good-sized prospect at 6-foot-4, 239 pounds. He’s also an outstanding athlete who was a 7-foot state high-jump champion in high school. He converted from the quarterback position to tight end. Last season, Stowers finished with 62 receptions, 760 yards, and four touchdowns. He’s explosive and has very good hands. Stowers needs to work on his blocking. Last season, he was the nation’s top tight end, winning the John Mackey Award. He’s also very intelligent, winning the Academic Heisman, William V. Campbell Trophy. He’s a projected second-round pick.
Jacob Rodriguez, linebacker, Texas Tech
Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez.AP
A 6-foot-1, 231-pound linebacker, Rodriguez was a two-time captain at Texas Tech. A walk-on, he developed into one of the best linebackers in program history. Rodriguez finished with 115 tackles, four interceptions, 10 passes defended, and seven forced fumbles last season. He made 302 tackles in his collegiate career. Rodriguez earned a laundry list of accolades last season, including Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, Butkus Award Winner and was a Heisman Trophy Finalist, finishing fifth. He’s a projected second-round pick.
Travis Burke, tackle, Memphis
Florida International University offensive lineman Travis Burke (77) protects the passer during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 in Miami. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit)AP
At 6-foot-8, 332 pounds, Burke is a massive tackle prospect. He plays with a physical and mean disposition. Last season, he started every game at right tackle for Memphis and earned First Team All-AAC honors. Burke started at left tackle the previous two seasons at Florida International. Burke met with the Patriots at his Pro Day and then had a pre-draft visit in New England. He’s a projected third or fourth-round pick.
Bud Clark, safety, TCU
TCU safety Bud Clark (21) defends during an NCAA college football game against Colorado Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)AP
A sixth-year senior, Clark is an athletic free safety. He finished with 56 tackles, seven pass breakups and four interceptions last season. Clark has outstanding ball skills, finishing with 15 interceptions and 21 pass breakups over the last four collegiate seasons. He had two pick-sixes. He also earned Second Team All-Big 12 honors in 2024. A three-year captain, Clark is also an outstanding leader. He brings special teams value as well, blocking one kick in college. He’s a projected third-round pick.
Adam Randall, running back, Clemson
Clemson running back Adam Randall (8) attempts to avoid a diving tackle-attempt by Louisville defensive back D'Angelo Hutchinson, front right, during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Louisville, Ky., Friday, Nov. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)AP
Randall is a 6-foot-3, 232-pound versatile running back. He ran for 814 yards with 10 touchdowns. Randall also recorded 36 catches for 254 yards and three scores. He was also a team captain and kickoff returner for Clemson. Randall is a converted receiver and comes to the NFL with above-average hands for the running back position. Last season was his first as a full-time running back and he earned honorable mention All-ACC honors. The Patriots scheduled an official pre-draft visit with Randall. He’s a projected late Day 3 pick.
