Karen Guregian: Patriots 7-round mock draft 2.0

The Patriots top three needs - assuming a trade for a star receiver remains in the cards - are edge rusher, offensive tackle and tight end in the upcoming NFL Draft. Since there’s more quality depth at edge rusher and tight end in this draft beyond the first round, and not as much with tackle, this mock takes that into account. With Morgan Moses getting up in age, it’s time to find the future right tackle.

Mike Vrabel certainly put Max Iheanachor through the paces during Arizona State’s Pro Day last month. So for the purposes of my second stab at a 7-round Patriots mock draft, the guess here is that Vrabel was impressed enough to take Iheanchor with the first pick. Tight end is handled in the fourth round, with two edge rushers (2nd and 6th rounds) taken early and late to beef up that position.

First round, pick 31: Max Iheanachor, OT Arizona State Arizona State offensive lineman Max Iheanachor (29) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) AP Iheanachor has been a fast riser up draft boards at his position. He didn’t start playing football until 2021 when he began college at the JUCO level (East Los Angeles), but has started the last two seasons at right tackle at Arizona State.

He’s 6-foot-6, 321 pounds and boasts plus athleticism. Given his ability to move, his lateral agility, and general football traits - build, play strength, quickness - scouts love him as a future right tackle. With Moses having turned 35 in March, the timing is right to nab another outside anchor on the offensive line in front of Drake Maye.