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How do you follow up a nine-win improvement and Super Bowl appearance? History shows it isn't easy to get back to the Super Bowl and win it, but the foundation to sustained success starts at the draft.
The New England Patriots are in a much more luxurious spot than they were a year ago, without as many obvious needs, but there are still areas of the roster that could use an upgrade or simply just more depth.
The wide receiver position is chief among them, but the potential addition of Eagles WR A.J. Brown in the months ahead could make it less of a concern in this draft. The Patriots brought in Dre'Mont Jones to upgrade their pass-rush this offseason, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see Mike Vrabel bring in a young, moldable pass-rusher after he spent the playoffs watching elite edge defenders get after his quarterback.
The Sporting News is tracking every Patriots selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, from the first round to the seventh. Follow along below as New England makes its picks.
MORE: Complete 2026 NFL Draft order
New England Patriots draft picks 2026
Who did the Patriots draft?
The Patriots have 11 selections in the 2026 NFL Draft:
- Round 1, Pick No. 31:
- Round 2, Pick No. 63:
- Round 3, Pick No. 95:
- Round 4, Pick No. 125:
- Round 4, Pick No. 131:
- Round 5, Pick No. 171:
- Round 6, Pick No. 191:
- Round 6, Pick No. 198:
- Round 6, Pick No. 202:
- Round 6, Pick No. 212:
- Round 7, Pick No. 247:
Patriots NFL Draft needs
- Edge rusher: The Patriots lost K'Lavon Chaisson to free agency after his surprisingly strong season and are relying on veterans Harold Landry III and Dre'Mont Jones in 2026. There are worse duos, but if New England wants to round its defense into one of the NFL's truly elite units, a long-term upgrade is needed. Fortunately, there will be plenty of options in the late first and second rounds.
- Wide receiver: The potential acquisition of Brown would make wide receiver less of a need for the Patriots, particularly after signing Romeo Doubs, but it wouldn't hurt to add fresh young talent to the unit with Kayshon Boutte a trade candidate. If the Patriots aren't completely confident they can get Brown, wide receiver is a must.
MORE: Final NFL Draft big board of 257 players
Patriots mock draft 2026
Here's a look at how the Patriots' draft board could shake out, based on the seven-round mock draft from SN's Vinnie Iyer.
| Round | Pick | Selection | Position | College |
| 1 | 31 | T.J. Parker | EDGE | Clemson |
| 2 | 63 | Elijah Sarratt | WR | Indiana |
| 3 | 95 | Kaleb Proctor | DT | Southeastern Louisiana |
| 4 | 125 | Kage Casey | OT | Boise State |
| 4 | 131 | Devon Marshall | CB | NC State |
| 5 | 171 | Lance Mason | TE | Wisconsin |
| 6 | 191 | C.J. Daniels | WR | Miami |
| 6 | 198 | Markel Bell | OT | Miami |
| 6 | 202 | Cole Wisniewski | S | Texas Tech |
| 6 | 212 | Jack Kelly | LB | BYU |
| 7 | 247 | Brett Thorson | P | Georgia |
The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is on Thursday, April 23, from Pittsburgh.
MORE 2026 NFL DRAFT:
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