Anlayst Reveals Patriots 'Focus' At 31st Overall Ahead Of NFL Draft

Anlayst Reveals Patriots 'Focus' At 31st Overall Ahead Of NFL Draft originally appeared on NESN . Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The New England Patriots enter the 2026 NFL Draft with 11 total picks, and the team has the 31st overall pick in the first round.

New England has been connected to edge rushers and offensive line help at 31st overall, and how the board falls could dictate what way they go. However, NFL Draft a nalyst Dane Brugler of The Athletic believes the focus for the Patriots should be addressing the offensive line. Not only does Brugler believe New England will address the offensive line at 31st overall, but he has the team selecting offensive tackle Max Iheanachor out of Arizona State in his latest mock draft.

“There are several worthy edge rushers still on the board (Young, Cashius Howell), but protecting Drake Maye should be the focus,” Brugler wrote in an article published on Thursday. “Iheanachor would be a solid swing tackle as a rookie and could turn into a long-term option at right tackle. ” Iheanachor is a 6-foot-5 offensive tackle who has risen up draft boards due to his measurables, athleticism, and upside.

With the Patriots, he could also sit and learn for a year behind Morgan Moses at right tackle and take over as the starter in a year or two. Brugler believes the Patriots need to do a better job of protecting Maye and that selecting young offensive linemen in the draft is key. The 2026 NFL Draft is set for April 23-26 in Pittsburgh.