The New England Patriots could make a surprising pick with the 31st overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Patriots have been linked to drafting an offensive lineman to help protect Drake Maye, who was an issue last season. However, New England could very well take the best player available.
Yet, NFL draft analyst Peter Schrager of ESPN mocked the Patriots to select Georgia Tech offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge.
“This might not be the same level of surprise as the Patriots' Cole Strange pick was a few years back, but I haven't seen anyone put Rutledge in Round 1 yet,” Schrager wrote in an article published on Tuesday. “It could happen. In talking to teams over the past few weeks, Rutledge is viewed as a Day 1 or Day 2 prospect.
“He allowed just two sacks over 43 career starts. At this point, the Patriots need to protect Drake Maye, and even if it's viewed as a reach on draft day, this could be the guy to get the job done.”
The Patriots selecting Rutledge would be a bit of a reach, but if he can be an impact starter, it would be a solid pick. However, there would be some risk to it, as many consider him a Day 2 pick.
New England is set to have 11 total picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. The 226 NFL Draft is set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
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