Patriots Predicted To Make Sensible Pick At No. 31 Amid A.J. Brown Rumors originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New England Patriots have the 31st overall pick in this year's NFL Draft, and multiple positions would make sense for them on Thursday night.
The Patriots will have to wait until the end of the night to make their pick, but they still figure to be in a position to land a great player. They could target a pass rusher, wide receiver or offensive tackle on Day 1, or perhaps even trade back. However, with reports suggesting that A.J. Brown is "likely" to be a Patriot after June 1, the Patriots may no longer be looking at receivers.
The Patriots do not need an offensive tackle right now, but they will eventually. Morgan Moses is 35 years old and could be entering his final year with the team. The Patriots will need a right tackle to protect their franchise quarterback. Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer predicted the Patriots would select Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller in the first round.
"For the Patriots, this would be parking the golf ball right in the middle of the fairway," wrote Breer on Thursday. "Miller started 54 games as a collegian and could potentially play some guard, then succeed Morgan Moses as the team’s longer-term answer at right tackle. The New England line was better in 2025, but the Super Bowl showed that there’s still work to be done."
The Patriots signed Alijah Vera-Tucker to play left guard and moved Jared Wilson to center. Miller may not start this season, or even play much. However, next season, the Patriots will be glad they took him this year.
He was a First-Team All-ACC selection in each of the last two seasons. He checked in at 6-foot-7, 317 pounds at the NFL Combine and ranked first among offensive tackles in athleticism score. He could end up being an elite tackle, and a year behind Moses could set him up to succeed right away when it's his time.
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