In my final mock draft of the cycle, the New England Patriots get aggressive. Here, they move up twice in the first two rounds to secure two players they have been tied to in the process.
In this mock, we’ll also add the caveat of a future trade for A.J. Brown. In this world, the Patriots end up moving a 2027 2nd and a 2028 4th to go get the receiver from Philadelphia after June 1.
Consensus board rankings in parentheses. My previous mock drafts can be found here: 1.0 | 2.0 | 3.0
TRADE: Patriots trade 1-31 and 4-125 to 49ers for 1-27: In this mock, the Patriots make a move up to make sure they get the offensive tackle they want. And that offensive is…
1-27 OT Max Iheanachor (Arizona State | No. 36): Mike Vrabel drew headlines for his hand-on work with the Arizona State tackle at his Pro Day a few weeks ago. The Nigerian offensive lineman didn’t start playing football until 2021, but he took to it quickly playing over 2,000 snaps at right tackle for the Sun Devils. Finding a long-term solution at right tackle to take over for Morgan Moses is an imperative for the Patriots, and the raw-but-athletic Iheanachor would get a year of seasoning before being forced into the fray. With that development, his size and movement skills could make him a high-level blocker on the front side of run plays.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel is coaching up ASU top-OL prospect Max Iheanachor at the Sun Devils' Pro Day.Vrabel and the Pats seem very interested in drafting Iheanachor.@FOX10Phoenix pic.twitter.com/dlmAPPSPgP
TRADE: Patriots trade 2-63 and 4-131 to Jaguars for 2-56: After moving up to secure a tackle in the first round, the Patriots move up once again with their eyes on a tight end.
2-56: TE Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt | No. 49): With Hunter Henry not getting any younger, tight end is a position of need for the Patriots. Some late buzz has connected them with Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers. A converted quarterback after shoulder injuries caused him to change positions, Stowers led all FBS tight ends with 769 receiving yards in 2025. While he doesn’t add much as a blocker, the 5th-year senior is fast and explosive in the passing game both before and after the catch. Paired with Drake Maye, Stowers has potential to be a dynamic weapon over the middle of the field.
I'd be more comfortable taking a shot early on Day 3, but TE/big slot Eli Stowers (#9) showed glimpses of how he might fit as a weapon for the #Patriots vs AuburnProduced from the slot and outside, made tough grabs over the middle, and found space vs zone/on a scramble https://t.co/YUiZzrp3sk pic.twitter.com/Rqu8PW4LQj
3-95: ED Jaishawn Barham (Michigan | No. 87): Barham played linebacker for Michigan in 2024 before moving to the edge in 2025. That move generated four sacks and 10 tackles for loss for the fourth-year senior in his first year at the new position. Barham is experienced, starting 47 of 48 games in his college career, and explosive off the edge. In a New England defense looking to add speed up front to build on a blitz-heavy approach, Barham is appealing for what he adds as a pass rusher and his versatility to drop into coverage in more complex play calls.
Jaishawn Barham Cut Ups https://t.co/jqvxSDDDym pic.twitter.com/UCKPk4oOVa
4-171: OG Jeremiah Wright (Auburn | No. 172): New England brought in Auburn right guard Jeremiah Wright for a top-30 visit this draft cycle, and his rank on consensus boards lines up nicely with where the team picks. Add in his power to win and finish blocks in a gap scheme as a run blocker, and he’s a great fit for what the Patriots do on offense. Wright is an older prospect who will be 25 years old as a rookie, in part because he switched between the offensive and defensive lines for his first two years of college before carving out a role on offense. He also had a torn ACL in 2021.
Came away very impressed with Auburn OG 77 Jeremiah Wright and thought he played extremely well against Alabama. Has started 24 straight games at RG for the Tigers. Strong hands, will finish blocks and plays with a good base and lower body flexibility. Bit of a waist bender that… pic.twitter.com/TOhEP2SLRA
6-191: LB Red Murdock (Buffalo | No. 185): Eliot Wolf said that this draft has depth at linebacker on day three. In this mock, the Patriots take advantage by selecting Buffalo linebacker Red Murdock. Murdock was a team captain who forced an FBS-record 17 career fumbles forced. He’s a true run-stuffer who tackles hard and flows well to the ball. He profiles as an interesting Jack Gibbens replacement.
Red Murdock is a 1st team All-MAC linebacker for @UBFootball with 364 career tackles and an NCAA record 17 forced fumbles; a record formerly held by fellow Bull Khalil Mack@redmurdock2 is a rangy + forceful tackler who brings physicality and instincts as an every down defender https://t.co/gZ5CsjGinl pic.twitter.com/cfhez8klIQ
— Shane Coughlin (@Shane__Coughlin) December 2, 2025
6-198: ED George Gumbs Jr. (Florida | No. 192): George Gumbs enters the 2026 NFL Draft as an edge rusher out of Florida, but he took roundabout path to end up there. Gumbs was recruited as a wide receiver before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his senior season of high school. He ended up at Northern Illinois as a preferred walk-on in 2021, moved to tight end in 2022, and then again to edge rusher in 2023 where he broke out with 6.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. From there, he was recruited by Florida in the transfer portal and started 12 games between 2024 and 2025 for the Gators, recording 14.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks in 22 games played. Gumbs is a great athlete who has worked hard to improve with every season.
George Gumbs Jr. (6’4 245) Florida+ Athleticism includes running a 4.66 40-yard dash with a 41” vertical jump+ Work ethic to go from a walk-on wide receiver at Northern Illinois to a starting edge for Florida+ Converting speed-to-power+ Relentless effort+ Comfortable… pic.twitter.com/8ah6lFv5WU
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) April 12, 2026
6-202: S Dalton Johnson (Arizona | No. 220): Johnson is an undersized safety, but he’s fast, tough, and always around the ball. The fifth-year senior led Arizona in both interceptions and tackles in 2025 while also being a team captain. Johnson also played a ton of special teams for the Wildcats, and his speed and toughness project well to the next level in that aspect of the game.