The 2026 NFL Draft may have just wrapped up, but for New England Patriots fans, it's never too early to look ahead. In a recent early mock draft for 2027, CBS Sports NFL analyst Josh Edwards has the Patriots eyeing a dynamic defensive playmaker—Clemson linebacker Sammy Brown—with the 28th overall pick.

Brown has been turning heads in college football, and for good reason. Over two seasons with the Tigers, he's racked up 98 solo tackles, 25 tackles for loss, and an impressive 10 sacks. That kind of production from the linebacker position is exactly what teams covet, especially one like New England that has relied on veteran journeymen in recent years. Edwards notes that Brown could be the "green dot of the future"—a signal-caller for the defense who can both stop the run and rush the passer.

If Brown maintains his momentum, he could easily be a first-round lock. But there's a twist: the Patriots might not even have that 2027 first-round pick by the time draft day rolls around. Rumors continue to swirl about a potential blockbuster trade for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown, and parting with a future first-rounder—either in 2027 or 2028—could be the price of admission. Some analysts suggest it might be smarter to move the 2027 pick now to get the deal done and avoid future uncertainty.

For now, the idea of adding a 10-sack linebacker to a rebuilding defense is an exciting prospect for Patriots fans. Whether that happens in 2027 or takes a backseat to a high-profile receiver trade, one thing is clear: New England is thinking ahead, and the draft board is already taking shape.