This report combines three views for New England Patriots:
the team’s current upcoming draft picks, Walt’s latest mock projections, and recent historical draft grades.
New England Patriots Upcoming 2026 Draft Picks (11)
What this section shows: the draft picks this team currently owns in the upcoming draft.
These are pick slots, not Walt’s projected selections. Walt’s mock projections appear in the next section.
Pending pick
Pick 31 in Round 1
No player selected yet
This entry represents one of the team’s currently held selections in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Pending pick
Pick 31 in Round 2
No player selected yet
This entry represents one of the team’s currently held selections in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Pending pick
Pick 31 in Round 3
No player selected yet
This entry represents one of the team’s currently held selections in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Pending pick
Pick 25 in Round 4
No player selected yet
This entry represents one of the team’s currently held selections in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Pending pick
Pick 31 in Round 4
No player selected yet
This entry represents one of the team’s currently held selections in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Pending pick
Pick 31 in Round 5
No player selected yet
This entry represents one of the team’s currently held selections in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Pending pick
Pick 10 in Round 6
No player selected yet
This entry represents one of the team’s currently held selections in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Pending pick
Pick 17 in Round 6
No player selected yet
This entry represents one of the team’s currently held selections in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Pending pick
Pick 21 in Round 6
No player selected yet
This entry represents one of the team’s currently held selections in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Pending pick
Pick 31 in Round 6
No player selected yet
This entry represents one of the team’s currently held selections in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Pending pick
Pick 31 in Round 7
No player selected yet
This entry represents one of the team’s currently held selections in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Walt’s Mock Selections as of 4/20/2026 – View Current Mock Draft
What this section shows: Walt’s current projected picks for New England Patriots.
These are predictions, not the team’s officially owned draft slots.
Round: 1
Overall Pick: 31
New England Patriots:
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
We all saw how poor New England’s offensive line was throughout the playoffs. Drake Maye took at least five sacks in every postseason contest, which simply can’t be allowed to happen again. If, however, all of the first-round tackles are off the board, the Patriots could target a safety because that’s a weak part of their defense. Caleb Lomu is a tough blocker with solid potential. *** OTHER 2026 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: *** 1. Max Iheanachor/Monroe Freeling/Blake Miller, OTs – One of these tackles could be available. If so, they’ll be favored to be the pick. 2. Omar Cooper/Denzel Boston/K.C. Concepcion, WRs – Just in case things have fallen through with the A.J. Brown since Dianna Marie Russini’s previous report. Pick change; previously Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S
Round: 2
Overall Pick: 63
New England Patriots: Connor Lew, C, Auburn
The Patriots had one of the weakest starting centers in the NFL last year, so they’ll need to give Drake Maye someone new under center. Connor Lew is a strong and agile blocker.
Round: 3
Overall Pick: 95
New England Patriots: Michael Taaffe, S, Texas
Kevin Byard is an older player, so he could regress at any moment. I could see the Patriots going after two safeties in this draft. Michael Taaffe was strong in run support for the Longhorns.
Round: 4
Overall Pick: 125
New England Patriots: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
Austin Hooper is gone, while Hunter Henry is in his 30s and will need to be replaced soon. Max Klare is an athletic tight end who was highly productive in school.
Round: 4
Overall Pick: 131
New England Patriots:
Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
The Patriots obviously need to continue to add multiple offensive linemen to make sure Drake Maye doesn’t take five sacks in every playoff game. Isaiah World is a lengthy tackle with good power.
Round: 5
Overall Pick: 171
New England Patriots: Caleb Douglas, WR, Texas Tech
Here’s another receiver for the Patriots, just in case they don’t trade for A.J. Brown. Caleb Douglas is a very tall receiver with a long wing span, but has issues with drops and strength.
Round: 6
Overall Pick: 191
New England Patriots: Adam Randall, RB, Clemson
With so many picks in the sixth round, the Patriots could ue one of them to select another running back for the future. Adam Randall has good speed for a big back, but he drops the ball often and struggles in pass protection.
Round: 6
Overall Pick: 198
New England Patriots:
Harold Perkins, OLB, LSU
Teams are always looking for as much pass-rushing talent as possible. Drake Maye was sacked at least five times in every playoff game. Perhaps the Patriots can return the favor. Harold Perkins is a beast who broke on to the scene with 7.5 sacks as a freshman. He’s an explosive player with tremendous instincts.
Round: 6
Overall Pick: 202
New England Patriots: Micah Morris, G, Georgia
The Patriots need to continue to add as much talent to their offensive line as possible. Micah Morris has good strength, quickness, and athleticism, but his work ethic and conditioning are poor.
Round: 6
Overall Pick: 212
New England Patriots: Aidan Fisher, LB, Indiana
It would be a surprise if the Patriots didn’t add a linebacker at some point. Aidan Fisher is an instinctive linebacker, but has some limitations for the NFL.
Round: 7
Overall Pick: 247
New England Patriots: Malik Spencer, S, Michigan State
The Patriots could stand to add depth in their secondary, which is a weakness right now. Malik Spencer can play multiple spots in the secondary, but struggles with speed.
Past Grades and Selections
What this section shows: recent completed draft selections for New England Patriots,
along with Walt’s grades and writeups from prior drafts.
2025 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2025
Pick 4. (R:1 P:4) –
Will Campbell, OT, LSU
A+ The Patriots could have been scared off by Will Campbell’s short arms, but I think this would have been a huge mistake. Plenty of offensive linemen with short arms have thrived over the years. Campbell has elite tape and athleticism. In fact, prior to the 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Combine, only two offensive linemen recorded his level of athleticism: Trent Williams and Tristan Wirfs. That’s pretty great company! The Patriots obviously made the correct pick here to find much-needed protection for Drake Maye.
A+ The Patriots could have been scared off by Will Campbell’s short arms, but I think this would have been a huge mistake. Plenty of offensive linemen with short arms have thrived over the years. Campbell has elite tape and athleticism. In fact, prior to the 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Combine, only two offensive linemen recorded his level of athleticism: Trent Williams and Tristan Wirfs. That’s pretty great company! The Patriots obviously made the correct pick here to find much-needed protection for Drake Maye.
2025
Pick 38. (R:2 P:6) –
TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
A I’m not a big fan of Rhamondre Stevenson, so I’m all for the Patriots attempting to either upgrade him or complement him. TreVeyon Henderson should be a better pro, and he’s one of the best players available. He can play all three downs for New England, which Stevenson can’t really do that well. Henderson easily could have gone in the first round.
A I’m not a big fan of Rhamondre Stevenson, so I’m all for the Patriots attempting to either upgrade him or complement him. TreVeyon Henderson should be a better pro, and he’s one of the best players available. He can play all three downs for New England, which Stevenson can’t really do that well. Henderson easily could have gone in the first round.
2025
Pick 69. (R:3 P:5) – Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State
B+ This is an obvious need. The Patriots have nothing at receiver, and that includes Stefon Diggs, who is coming off a torn ACL. Kyle Williams is a third-round prospect who could have easily gone late in the second, so I like this pick for New England.
B+ This is an obvious need. The Patriots have nothing at receiver, and that includes Stefon Diggs, who is coming off a torn ACL. Kyle Williams is a third-round prospect who could have easily gone late in the second, so I like this pick for New England.
2025
Pick 95. (R:3 P:31) – Jared Wilson, C, Georgia
A+ We go from one of the dumbest picks of all time to an A+ selection. Jared Wilson is a great choice. The Patriots needed to add three offensive linemen in this class, including a center, and Jared Wilson is highly athletic with lots of upside.
A+ We go from one of the dumbest picks of all time to an A+ selection. Jared Wilson is a great choice. The Patriots needed to add three offensive linemen in this class, including a center, and Jared Wilson is highly athletic with lots of upside.
2025
Pick 106. (R:4 P:4) – Craig Woodson, S, California
MILLEN This reminds me of when Bill Belichick would just quit on the draft on Day 3 and select players who were going to be UDFAs. What is this pick? Craig Woodson had UDFA written all over him. Maybe seventh round at best. This is a terrible pick. The Patriots could have taken better players who could have filled needs.
MILLEN This reminds me of when Bill Belichick would just quit on the draft on Day 3 and select players who were going to be UDFAs. What is this pick? Craig Woodson had UDFA written all over him. Maybe seventh round at best. This is a terrible pick. The Patriots could have taken better players who could have filled needs.
2025
Pick 137. (R:4 P:35) –
Joshua Farmer, DT, Florida State
A+ I can see why the Patriots traded up for Joshua Farmer. I thought there was a chance he could sneak into the second round, so this is a huge steal. Famer can play well as both a run stuffer and a pass rusher, and the Patriots needed help in both regards.
A+ I can see why the Patriots traded up for Joshua Farmer. I thought there was a chance he could sneak into the second round, so this is a huge steal. Famer can play well as both a run stuffer and a pass rusher, and the Patriots needed help in both regards.
2025
Pick 146. (R:5 P:8) –
Bradyn Swinson, DE, LSU
A+ The Browns aren’t the only team getting great value in Round 5. Bradyn Swinson is someone I’ve had going on Day 2 in most of my updates. He’s a talented edge rusher with a good combination of speed and strength. The Patriots needed another edge rusher, so I love this pick.
A+ The Browns aren’t the only team getting great value in Round 5. Bradyn Swinson is someone I’ve had going on Day 2 in most of my updates. He’s a talented edge rusher with a good combination of speed and strength. The Patriots needed another edge rusher, so I love this pick.
2025
Pick 182. (R:6 P:6) – Andres Borregales, K, Miami
B The first kicker or punter is off the board. Bravo to NFL teams for waiting until the sixth round. Andres Borregales was 18-of-19 last year, including 7-of-8 from 40-plus.
B The first kicker or punter is off the board. Bravo to NFL teams for waiting until the sixth round. Andres Borregales was 18-of-19 last year, including 7-of-8 from 40-plus.
2025
Pick 220. (R:7 P:4) – Marcus Bryant, OT, Missouri
B Marcus Bryant is a lengthy tackle with some upside. He has a ton of starting experience in school, too. Adding more protection for Drake Maye isn’t a bad idea.
B Marcus Bryant is a lengthy tackle with some upside. He has a ton of starting experience in school, too. Adding more protection for Drake Maye isn’t a bad idea.
2025
Pick 251. (R:7 P:35) – Julian Ashby, LS, Vanderbilt
B+ Julian Ashby was the only long snapper I expected to be drafted. Julian Ashby could have gone earlier than this, so this is a rare event in which there’s some value with a long snapper.
B+ Julian Ashby was the only long snapper I expected to be drafted. Julian Ashby could have gone earlier than this, so this is a rare event in which there’s some value with a long snapper.
2025
Pick 257. (R:7 P:41) – Kobee Minor, CB, Memphis
C The Patriots traded into this pick to draft a cornerback. I know people were anticipated for Cobee Bryant to be drafted. Instead, New England picked Kobee Minor. I didn’t have Minor being drafted, so perhaps the Patriots should have gone with Bryant instead.
C The Patriots traded into this pick to draft a cornerback. I know people were anticipated for Cobee Bryant to be drafted. Instead, New England picked Kobee Minor. I didn’t have Minor being drafted, so perhaps the Patriots should have gone with Bryant instead.
2024 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2024
Pick 3. (R:1 P:3) –
Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
A- There was great speculation that the Patriots would trade out of this pick, but they were never going to accept any offers that wouldn’t blow them away. The reason is simple – the Patriots were desperate for a franchise quarterback and happened to be in position to draft one. Drake Maye is riskier than the two quarterbacks chosen before him, but he has immense upside. The Patriots made a wise decision to draft him over any of the other options.
A- There was great speculation that the Patriots would trade out of this pick, but they were never going to accept any offers that wouldn’t blow them away. The reason is simple – the Patriots were desperate for a franchise quarterback and happened to be in position to draft one. Drake Maye is riskier than the two quarterbacks chosen before him, but he has immense upside. The Patriots made a wise decision to draft him over any of the other options.
2024
Pick 37. (R:2 P:5) –
Ja'Lynn Polk, WR, Washington
A I love when teams can take a prospect at a spot, but trade down and still get that player. This is what the Patriots did, so they should be graded highly for it. Ja’Lynn Polk makes sense here as a second-round prospect, and he fills a need. New England did well to move up into Day 2 and still acquire him.
A I love when teams can take a prospect at a spot, but trade down and still get that player. This is what the Patriots did, so they should be graded highly for it. Ja’Lynn Polk makes sense here as a second-round prospect, and he fills a need. New England did well to move up into Day 2 and still acquire him.
2024
Pick 68. (R:3 P:4) – Caedan Wallace, OT, Penn State
C- This reminds me of the Bill Belichick days when Belichick would just throw his arms up in the air and draft players way ahead of schedule because his big board was blown up. We had Caeden Wallace firmly as a third-day player, so this is a reach for sure. I like adding a lineman for Drake Maye, but Wallace could have been chosen later.
C- This reminds me of the Bill Belichick days when Belichick would just throw his arms up in the air and draft players way ahead of schedule because his big board was blown up. We had Caeden Wallace firmly as a third-day player, so this is a reach for sure. I like adding a lineman for Drake Maye, but Wallace could have been chosen later.
2024
Pick 103. (R:4 P:3) –
Layden Robinson, G, Texas A&M
A Teams are off to a great start to begin Day 3. The Patriots need to protect Drake Maye because their offensive line has been so dreadful lately. I’ve had Layden Robinson slotted on Day 2 of my mock draft, so I love this value.
A Teams are off to a great start to begin Day 3. The Patriots need to protect Drake Maye because their offensive line has been so dreadful lately. I’ve had Layden Robinson slotted on Day 2 of my mock draft, so I love this value.
2024
Pick 180. (R:6 P:4) – Marcellas Dial, CB, South Carolina
A+ The Patriots are taking a break from addressing the offense to go to defense. They’re getting a stellar value, so it’s easy to understand way. Marcellas Dial could have gone in the third round with no complaints, so this is a steal.
A+ The Patriots are taking a break from addressing the offense to go to defense. They’re getting a stellar value, so it’s easy to understand way. Marcellas Dial could have gone in the third round with no complaints, so this is a steal.
2024
Pick 193. (R:6 P:17) –
Joe Milton, QB, Tennessee
C- This is a stupid pick. Joe Milton has a massive arm, but his decision-making in the pocket is horrendous. He’s a long-term project, but the Patriots will be developing Drake Maye. New England should have given Maye more to work with instead of competition.
C- This is a stupid pick. Joe Milton has a massive arm, but his decision-making in the pocket is horrendous. He’s a long-term project, but the Patriots will be developing Drake Maye. New England should have given Maye more to work with instead of competition.
2024
Pick 231. (R:7 P:11) –
Jaheim Bell, TE, Florida State
A+ I thought Jaheim Bell would go two or even three rounds earlier than this, so I love the value. I also like the need fit, as Hunter Henry is now in his 30s and will need to be replaced soon.
A+ I thought Jaheim Bell would go two or even three rounds earlier than this, so I love the value. I also like the need fit, as Hunter Henry is now in his 30s and will need to be replaced soon.
2023 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2023
Pick 14. (R:1 P:14) –
Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
B Mike Tomlin wanted to upgrade his secondary. The front office wanted to solidify the offensive line. The front office wins. Maybe. Broderick Jones has huge upside, but he has a much lower floor than the other three offensive linemen selected so far. This is a risky move, especially given the trade up, but I don’t blame the Steelers for making the pick because Kenny Pickett needed better protection to take the next step.
B Mike Tomlin wanted to upgrade his secondary. The front office wanted to solidify the offensive line. The front office wins. Maybe. Broderick Jones has huge upside, but he has a much lower floor than the other three offensive linemen selected so far. This is a risky move, especially given the trade up, but I don’t blame the Steelers for making the pick because Kenny Pickett needed better protection to take the next step.
2023
Pick 46. (R:2 P:15) –
Keion White, DE/OLB, Georgia Tech
A The Patriots have numerous expiring contracts at defensive end in the next couple of years, so they had to find a pass rusher for the long haul. Keion White had a slight chance to be a first-round pick, so I think this is a great value pick for Bill Belichick, who is having a great draft thus far.
A The Patriots have numerous expiring contracts at defensive end in the next couple of years, so they had to find a pass rusher for the long haul. Keion White had a slight chance to be a first-round pick, so I think this is a great value pick for Bill Belichick, who is having a great draft thus far.
2023
Pick 76. (R:3 P:13) – Marte Mapu, LB, Sacramento State
F What is this, seriously? The Patriots could have moved down two rounds and drafted Marte Mapu. I didn’t even have him as a definite pick in all seven rounds. Bill Belichick loves going off the board like he did last year with Cole Strange, and this is another instance of that.
F What is this, seriously? The Patriots could have moved down two rounds and drafted Marte Mapu. I didn’t even have him as a definite pick in all seven rounds. Bill Belichick loves going off the board like he did last year with Cole Strange, and this is another instance of that.
2023
Pick 107. (R:4 P:5) – Jake Andrews, C, Troy
C Patriots fans can’t be upset with the team drafting an offensive lineman, given how bad the blocking was last year. However, Bill Belichick is going off the board again, as Jake Andrews was a borderline draftable prospect. New England should have traded down.
C Patriots fans can’t be upset with the team drafting an offensive lineman, given how bad the blocking was last year. However, Bill Belichick is going off the board again, as Jake Andrews was a borderline draftable prospect. New England should have traded down.
2023 New England Patriots – Prospect:TBD
2023
Pick 135. (R:4 P:33) – Aidan O'Connell, QB, Purdue
A- Josh McDaniels said he wanted a quarerback for the long haul, so here he is. Aidan O’Connell has a good arm and really improved his accuracy last year. I like this pick, as I had O’Connell going 24 selections earlier.
A- Josh McDaniels said he wanted a quarerback for the long haul, so here he is. Aidan O’Connell has a good arm and really improved his accuracy last year. I like this pick, as I had O’Connell going 24 selections earlier.
2023 New England Patriots – Prospect:TBD
2023
Pick 187. (R:6 P:10) –
Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
A Kayshon Boutte was considered a first-round prospect this time last year. He then disappointed production-wise at LSU, and then proceeded to test very poorly at the combine. Still, he’s well worth drafting at this point, especially given the Patriots’ poor receiving room.
A Kayshon Boutte was considered a first-round prospect this time last year. He then disappointed production-wise at LSU, and then proceeded to test very poorly at the combine. Still, he’s well worth drafting at this point, especially given the Patriots’ poor receiving room.
2023
Pick 192. (R:6 P:15) – Bryce Baringer, P, Michigan State
B I’m not going to bash a punter pick in the sixth round. Punters, like kickers, are abominations, but you can draft an abomination in the sixth round. This is much better than a kicker in the third round.
B I’m not going to bash a punter pick in the sixth round. Punters, like kickers, are abominations, but you can draft an abomination in the sixth round. This is much better than a kicker in the third round.
2023 New England Patriots – Prospect:TBD
2022 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2022
Pick 29. (R:1 P:29) – Cole Strange, G, Chattanooga
MILLEN Grade
Our first Millen grade of the 2022 NFL Draft is by … the Patriots!? Wow! I don’t get this at all. Bill Belichick easily could’ve made this selection in the second round, or maybe even the third. I had Cole Strange 144th in my mock draft. I looked around to see if I was just way off, and Charlie Campbell had Strange 115th. Going off-side, Dane Brugler had Strange 93rd. Did Belichick think we were in the third round? I don’t understand this pick at all.
MILLEN Grade
Our first Millen grade of the 2022 NFL Draft is by … the Patriots!? Wow! I don’t get this at all. Bill Belichick easily could’ve made this selection in the second round, or maybe even the third. I had Cole Strange 144th in my mock draft. I looked around to see if I was just way off, and Charlie Campbell had Strange 115th. Going off-side, Dane Brugler had Strange 93rd. Did Belichick think we were in the third round? I don’t understand this pick at all.
2022
Pick 50. (R:2 P:18) – Tyquan Thornton, WR, Baylor
MILLEN Grade
I’m convinced Bill Belichick is on drugs. He spent a first-round pick on a third-round guard, and now he traded up for a fifth-round prospect in the second frame. Belichick could’ve traded down for Thornton and still acquired him! I don’t understand what’s happening, but if Belichick keeps making these horrible picks, I’m going to have to re-name MILLEN to BELICHICK.
MILLEN Grade
I’m convinced Bill Belichick is on drugs. He spent a first-round pick on a third-round guard, and now he traded up for a fifth-round prospect in the second frame. Belichick could’ve traded down for Thornton and still acquired him! I don’t understand what’s happening, but if Belichick keeps making these horrible picks, I’m going to have to re-name MILLEN to BELICHICK.
2022
Pick 85. (R:3 P:21) – Marcus Jones, CB, Houston
B Grade
I expected Bill Belichick to draft a 2024 UDFA at this rate, but he finally didn’t reach. Marcus Jones is someone I always tried to move up in my mock draft. He makes sense in the third round, and he obviously fills a need after New England lost J.C. Jackson.
B Grade
I expected Bill Belichick to draft a 2024 UDFA at this rate, but he finally didn’t reach. Marcus Jones is someone I always tried to move up in my mock draft. He makes sense in the third round, and he obviously fills a need after New England lost J.C. Jackson.
2022
Pick 121. (R:4 P:16) – Jack Jones, CB, Arizona State
C+ Grade
Surprise, surprise, the Patriots reached for a player! It’s not as bad to do so on Day 3, but I had Jack Jones in the sixth or seventh round in some of my updates. He thrived at the combine, but he could have been chosen later than this. Still, it makes sense that New England would take a cornerback, and Bill Belichick knows a thing or two about players at that position.
C+ Grade
Surprise, surprise, the Patriots reached for a player! It’s not as bad to do so on Day 3, but I had Jack Jones in the sixth or seventh round in some of my updates. He thrived at the combine, but he could have been chosen later than this. Still, it makes sense that New England would take a cornerback, and Bill Belichick knows a thing or two about players at that position.
2022
Pick 127. (R:4 P:22) – Pierre Strong Jr., RB, South Dakota State
C- Grade
Bill Belichick might send me hate mail after this draft, but I don’t like this pick either. Pierre Strong is a bit of a reach, and the Patriots have no need for a running back with so much talent at the position.
C- Grade
Bill Belichick might send me hate mail after this draft, but I don’t like this pick either. Pierre Strong is a bit of a reach, and the Patriots have no need for a running back with so much talent at the position.
2022 New England Patriots – Prospect:TBD
2022 New England Patriots – Prospect:TBD
2022
Pick 201. (R:6 P:22) – Keontay Ingram, RB, USC
A- Grade
I had Keontay Ingram a round earlier than this, so I like the value. Ingram is a nice receiving back, which is crucial because Arizona lost Chase Edmonds this offseason.
A- Grade
I had Keontay Ingram a round earlier than this, so I like the value. Ingram is a nice receiving back, which is crucial because Arizona lost Chase Edmonds this offseason.
2022 New England Patriots – Prospect:TBD
2021 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2021
Pick 15. (R:1 P:15) –
Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
D Grade
Yuck. I can’t fail the Patriots because they’re getting “value” with a quarterback some thought would go third overall. That said, several teams we spoke to had Jones in the second round. One had him pegged as a third-day prospect! Jones is an Andy Dalton with DUIs. There’s no upside with him. He’ll need to be surrounded with an all-star cast to reach the playoffs consistently, which was the exact case with Dalton.
D Grade
Yuck. I can’t fail the Patriots because they’re getting “value” with a quarterback some thought would go third overall. That said, several teams we spoke to had Jones in the second round. One had him pegged as a third-day prospect! Jones is an Andy Dalton with DUIs. There’s no upside with him. He’ll need to be surrounded with an all-star cast to reach the playoffs consistently, which was the exact case with Dalton.
2021
Pick 46. (R:2 P:14) –
Jackson Carman, OT, Clemson
A+ Grade
I love this pick. Back in February, some league sources told us that Jackson Carman could sneak into the opening round. He obviously didn’t, so the Bengals are getting awesome value with Carman, especially when considering that they traded down eight spots. They had to improve their offensive line to protect Joe Burrow, and they did just that with Carman.
A+ Grade
I love this pick. Back in February, some league sources told us that Jackson Carman could sneak into the opening round. He obviously didn’t, so the Bengals are getting awesome value with Carman, especially when considering that they traded down eight spots. They had to improve their offensive line to protect Joe Burrow, and they did just that with Carman.
2021
Pick 96. (R:3 P:32) –
Ronnie Perkins, DE, Oklahoma
B Grade
Ronnie Perkins figures to be a productive edge rusher in the NFL, but he’ll have to be a situational player because he’ll get killed in run support. Still, the pick makes sense because the Patriots are now chasing the Bills, so they need to pressure Josh Allen as much as possible. I’m a bit concerned with Perkins’ off-the-field issues, but this is still a solid pick.
B Grade
Ronnie Perkins figures to be a productive edge rusher in the NFL, but he’ll have to be a situational player because he’ll get killed in run support. Still, the pick makes sense because the Patriots are now chasing the Bills, so they need to pressure Josh Allen as much as possible. I’m a bit concerned with Perkins’ off-the-field issues, but this is still a solid pick.
2021
Pick 120. (R:4 P:15) –
Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, Oklahoma
B Grade
The Patriots have addressed the backfield again, which isn’t a big surprise because neither Damien Harris nor Sony Michel has been overly impressive. I’ve had Rhamondre Stevenson in this range, so this pick makes sense to me.
B Grade
The Patriots have addressed the backfield again, which isn’t a big surprise because neither Damien Harris nor Sony Michel has been overly impressive. I’ve had Rhamondre Stevenson in this range, so this pick makes sense to me.
2021
Pick 122. (R:4 P:17) –
Tyler Shelvin, DT, LSU
B+ Grade
I wonder if Joe Burrow demanded Tyler Shelvin as well. Shelvin is a monstrous nose tackle who can help stop the run. Remember, the Bengals haven’t beaten Lamar Jackson yet, so this should help them stop Baltimore’s rushing attack. This is the right range for Shelvin.
B+ Grade
I wonder if Joe Burrow demanded Tyler Shelvin as well. Shelvin is a monstrous nose tackle who can help stop the run. Remember, the Bengals haven’t beaten Lamar Jackson yet, so this should help them stop Baltimore’s rushing attack. This is the right range for Shelvin.
2021
Pick 139. (R:4 P:34) –
D'Ante Smith, OT, East Carolina
A Grade
It’s no surprise that the Bengals are drafting another offensive lineman so that Joe Burrow, coming off a knee injury, is as well protected as possible. I’ve had D’Ante Smith pegged around the third frame, so the Bengals seem to be getting strong value with D’Ante Smith.
A Grade
It’s no surprise that the Bengals are drafting another offensive lineman so that Joe Burrow, coming off a knee injury, is as well protected as possible. I’ve had D’Ante Smith pegged around the third frame, so the Bengals seem to be getting strong value with D’Ante Smith.
2021
Pick 177. (R:5 P:33) – Cameron McGrone, LB, Michigan
B Grade
The Patriots had severe issues at linebacker last year, so it’s surprising that they waited this long to address the position. Cameron McGrone may have been slotted at the end of the fifth round of one of my updates, so the value is OK.
B Grade
The Patriots had severe issues at linebacker last year, so it’s surprising that they waited this long to address the position. Cameron McGrone may have been slotted at the end of the fifth round of one of my updates, so the value is OK.
2021
Pick 188. (R:6 P:4) – Joshuah Bledsoe, S, Missouri
A- Grade
Joshuah Bledsoe was a solid tackler over his years in Missouri. I thought he would go in the third or fourth round, but he slipped to the Patriots in the sixth frame, so I consider this to be a great value pick. The Patriors needed young blood in the defensive backfield.
A- Grade
Joshuah Bledsoe was a solid tackler over his years in Missouri. I thought he would go in the third or fourth round, but he slipped to the Patriots in the sixth frame, so I consider this to be a great value pick. The Patriors needed young blood in the defensive backfield.
2021
Pick 197. (R:6 P:13) – William Sherman, G/OT, Colorado
C- Grade
Here’s another player I never considered mocking. I had 500-plus players ranked, but William Sherman didn’t make the cut. He likely could have been acquired as a UDFA.
C- Grade
Here’s another player I never considered mocking. I had 500-plus players ranked, but William Sherman didn’t make the cut. He likely could have been acquired as a UDFA.
2021
Pick 242. (R:7 P:14) – Tre Nixon, WR, Central Florida
B+ Grade
The Patriots’ receiving corps is an abomination, so it’s shocking that they waited this long to address the need. I had Tre Nixon in the final couple of rounds in some of my mock updates. He’s a good athlete with some upside, so he could compete for some snaps.
B+ Grade
The Patriots’ receiving corps is an abomination, so it’s shocking that they waited this long to address the need. I had Tre Nixon in the final couple of rounds in some of my mock updates. He’s a good athlete with some upside, so he could compete for some snaps.
2026 NFL Mock Draft - April 20
Fantasy Football Rankings - April 5
NFL Picks - Feb. 9
NFL Power Rankings - Jan. 26
