Patriots Predicted To Draft 'Heavy-Handed Right Tackle' Who Could Replace Morgan Moses originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New England Patriots will be on the clock Thursday night in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and they could be looking to select an offensive tackle for the second year in a row.

New England drafted LSU's left tackle Will Campbell with the fourth overall pick last season. This year, they might turn their attention to selecting a right tackle with the 31st pick, a possibility that NFL.com's Bucky Brooks believes could come to fruition.

Brooks released a mock draft on Tuesday, predicting that the Patriots will select Arizona State right tackle Max Iheanachor with the 31st pick.

"This ascending prospect is not quite ready for prime time, but the presence of Morgan Moses will allow the Patriots to bring him along slowly. Iheanachor is a mauler with the size, strength and athleticism to flourish as a heavy-handed right tackle," Brooks wrote.

If the Patriots can secure Iheanachor, he could spend a season learning behind Moses and then take control of the starting job in 2027.

The main concern with the Patriots selecting Iheanachor is that he probably won’t contribute this season. While New England did make it to the Super Bowl, there are still a few gaps in the roster, particularly at receiver and defensive end. It may be more beneficial for them to bring in a player at one of those positions who can make an immediate impact this year.

More NFL: Adam Schefter Reveals Patriots Have 'Interest' In This Prospect With No. 31 Pick