The New England Patriots finished with a 14-3 record last season and went to the Super Bowl, but they were gashed against the run against the Seattle Seahawks. New England was a year ahead of schedule under Mike Vrabel’s first season as head coach with the franchise. The Patriots are going to have to tweak some things if they want to get back to the mountain top of the NFL.
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Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
New England will have the 31st pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. There are many ways that they can. The Patriots can find another wide receiver for quarterback Drake Maye, or they can potentially find another run stopper. New England can be very flexible during the 2026 NFL Draft.
New England Patriots Select Ohio State Buckeyes DT Kayden McDonald In Latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft
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Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Kayden McDonald (98) celebrates a stop by linebacker Sonny Styles (0) during the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas for the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against the Miami Hurricanes on Dec. 31, 2025.
Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network created his latest NFL Mock Draft on nfl.com. With the 31st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, he has the Patriots selecting Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Kayden McDonald. Jeremiah said, “McDonald gives New England a run-stopping force on the interior. He can do the dirty work and letMilton Williams get up the field.” Adding another interior defensive lineman for the Patriots would no doubt be a big help in a big way.
McDonald is 6’3″ and weighs 326 lbs. He recorded 65 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one pass deflection last season with the Buckeyes. The Ohio State defense was an elite unit a season ago. He was coached by former Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia. There is a chance that McDonald could very well be drafted before New England is on the clock. He is going to be a very good player at the next level.
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