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Despite falling short in Super Bowl 60, the New England Patriots' season was a resounding success. Quarterback Drake Maye is a star, and big games are back in the Boston suburbs.
However, the Patriots were clearly outclassed by the Seattle Seahawks, a referendum on the talent disadvantage New England was working with. That same lack of stardom underlined Maye's MVP case and shows the front office that the job is unfinished.
In April, the Patriots will have the opportunity to give Maye a little more help in the 2026 NFL Draft.
New England Patriots mock draft
Round 1, Pick 31: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
Part of New England's success came from a rather nebulous defense. We didn't know what this defense would look like in training camp, but with a bunch of C+ and B- starters, the Patriots had a high-floor defense. Another game-changer like cornerback Christian Gonzalez could have changed the math in Santa Clara.
Mesidor, a 25-year-old rookie, is a ready-made starter. He has enough tools to check the box, and his blend of burst, bend, and power elicits real upside as a pass rusher. Mesidor has a knack for making splash plays and elevates the ceiling of an otherwise average pass rush.
Round 2, Pick 63: Parker Brailsford, iOL, Alabama
The Patriots lost this game in large part because they lost in the trenches. Every Seahawks starter on the defensive line was better than the lineman opposite them, and it showed. Left tackle Will Campbell had the worst game of his career, the interior linemen crumbled, and Maye subsequently struggled.
Brailsford would be a plug-and-play starter and an upgrade at center. His pass protection stands out, and while his effectiveness is limited in the run game, that's a trade-off New England would take.
Round 3, Pick 95: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State
Orange is a starter-level 1-tech with the versatility to stop the run from multiple alignments, including nose tackle. He has enough juice as a pass rusher to be playable on later downs, but is at his best in an early-down role, where his anchor stands out against zone runs.
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For all the talent on New England's defensive line, playing Christian Barmore against the run isn't a recipe for success. Orange would have a path to rookie-year playing time in an ancillary role.
Round 4, Pick 125: Kyle Louis, LB, Pitt
At the second level, the Patriots lack an explosive coverage linebacker who can consistently win against the game's more dynamic tight ends.
Louis is an exceptional athlete whose size may limit him to the kind of role many sought after Payton Wilson during last year's draft cycle. He had an incredible Senior Bowl, should test well in Indianapolis, and has a blend of burst and instincts to create splash plays on passing downs, making New England faster and more versatile in the back-seven.
Round 4, Pick 131: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
The Patriots struggled to separate in the Super Bowl, and it's clear Maye isn't operating with the same receiving talent as many of his playoff counterparts. One way to address this would be to get more explosive at tight end.
Stowers wouldn't necessarily start over Hunter Henry, but his athleticism as a slot-bound option stands out. He can attack defenses vertically between the numbers and is quick enough to make plays after the catch. Upgrading at TE2 isn't winning anybody a Super Bowl, but it's a step in the right direction for a group of pass-catchers that left much to be desired in 2025.
Round 5. Pick 169: TJ Hall, CB, Iowa
Merely a depth selection, Hall had a promising platform year on the boundary for the Hawkeyes.
With a track record of tackling well and an uptick in ball production this season, New England can gain depth on defense and special teams in one swing.
Round 6, Pick 190: Carver Willis, OT, Washington
There's no sugarcoating Campbell's Super Bowl. He looked like the worst starter on the field, saw his length questions re-enter the discourse, and played a pivotal role in ending the Patriots' season.
Even so, Campbell will get the opportunity to fail again at left tackle before talks of moving inside gain steam. With his athleticism and first-round pedigree, there's a good chance that patience serves New England well.
In the meantime, Willis offers depth at both tackle spots. After a strong 2025 campaign at Washington, Willis is headed to the NFL with upward momentum. Run blocking has long been his calling card, but when he played at his best against Ohio State's defensive line, he put himself on NFL radars.
Round 6, Pick 201: Bryce Foster, iOL, Kansas
Another center option I like in New England is Foster, whose steady hand headlined Kansas's offensive line. There's low-end starter upside in his profile, although he projects as a strong backup.
Between Garrett Bradbury and Jared Wilson, the Patriots need two new bodies between the tackles. Moving to left guard would be new for both Foster and Brailsford, but the selection of a second interior lineman opens the door to that possibility. Even without a move, newfound insulation from a center who specializes in pass protection bodes well for Maye.
Round 6, Pick 211: Le'Veon Moss, RB, Texas A&M
The backfield was a point of contention for much of the year, but New England seems happy with Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson getting the vast majority of work. Behind them, the unit could use a lottery ticket.
Moss's stock has fallen due to health concerns, but he has flashed starter-level tape at Texas A&M. He projects more as a prototypical backup running back, but he is versatile enough to relieve either back and athletic enough to retain more upside than the average sixth-round pick.
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