Christian Barmore (90) and Milton Williams (97)
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The New England Patriots have been urged to follow an "explosive" Milton Williams strategy in the 2026 NFL draft.
The rich will get a whole lot richer during the 2026 NFL draft if the New England Patriots follow a surprising strategy and add an “explosive” playmaker to an obvious team strength, a position group dominated by $104-million man Milton Williams.
Adding Williams alongside incumbent stud defensive tackle Christian Barmore last offseason gave the Pats the ideal platform for an instant turnaround on defense. This formidable tandem duly delivered by underpinning a unit that powered an upstart team to Super Bowl LX, but there’s still room for another mammoth disruptor along the interior.
That’s according to Diante Lee of The Ringer, who sends Ohio state D-tackle Kayden McDonald to New England in his latest mock draft. Lee admits “there’s a lot to like on the Patriots’ defensive interior already, but an explosive run stuffer like McDonald could be the final piece needed to make the Patriots a true nightmare between the tackles. His balance, agility, and burst belie his size, and I wouldn’t be shocked if he takes a step forward as a pass rusher once he gets to the league.”
McDonald is proving a popular pick for the Patriots during mock draft season, with NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah making the same selection. Like Lee, Jeremiah also believes this pick would help Williams, noting how taking “McDonald gives New England a run-stopping force on the interior. He can do the dirty work and let Milton Williams get up the field.”
It’s a compelling argument, but using the 31st-overall pick on McDonald may seem like a luxury the Patriots can’t afford. Especially when they’re already loaded at defensive tackle, and when there are more pressing needs, like adding to the pass-catchers at the disposal of star quarterback Drake Maye.
Yet, general manager Eliot Wolf and head coach Mike Vrabel won’t forget Kenneth Walker III gashing their defense for 135 rushing yards to help the Seattle Seahawks win the Super Bowl. A reeling run D’ has also since lost a key figure from the middle during 2026 NFL free agency.
Kayden McDonald Would Let Milton Williams Continue Winning Strategy
Breaking the bank to take Williams off the veteran market a year ago was central to a winning strategy for the Patriots. They stacked talent on top of talent by pairing former Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl winner Williams with physically imposing Barmore immediately improved every phase of the defense.
The success of this partnership provided a timely reminder of the value of building through the trenches, something the Pats can continue by drafting McDonald. He’s not the same level of pass-rusher as either Williams or Barmore, but McDonald is a “Massive defender who functions like a black hole on the defensive line; there’s no escape for light, radiation, or running backs once they get close enough,” per Lee.
McDonald’s dominance on the deck is proved by his ranking first for tackles for loss or no gain, as well as making the most run stops last season, according to PFF College.
Those qualities make McDonald an ideal replacement for Khyiris Tonga, who joined the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency. Tonga’s a true nose tackle who performed a key niche role for the 2025 Patriots, so his particular skills will be missed.
At least the Pats still have useful backup Cory Durden in the mix, and he’s less than impressed by the idea of McDonald being added to the depth chart.
Patriots Defensive Tackle Not Buying Pre-Draft Buzz
Durden, who can also play over the ball, kept it short and sweet when reacting to Jeremiah sending McDonald to Gillette Stadium. A simple laughing emoji summed up the veteran D-lineman’s feelings.
Dropping a high-profile defensive tackle into an already crowded room might upset some, but it would give the Patriots feared and envied by the rest of the league. Dealing with Williams, Barmore and Durden is already tough enough.
Taking McDonald off the board late in Round 1 would also represent some smart future planning by Wolf. He doesn’t need to look too far ahead now Barmore’s immediate contractual future is secure, but Durden is a free agent in 2027.
Having McDonald on board would give the Patriots options next year, as well as some financial flexibility ahead of both Barmore and Williams being eligible to hit the market in 2029.