If the Patriots trade for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown, they might have to give up their first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Denver Broncos had to part with first- and third-round picks to acquire Miami Dolphins wideout Jaylen Waddle and a fourth-rounder earlier this week.
But in the event the Patriots don’t trade the No. 31 overall pick, which position should they upgrade in Round 1?
Despite a lack of a No. 1 WR and the need for more offensive line depth, many experts are predicting the Patriots will bolster their defense in the first round.
Edge rusher is a weakness Mike Vrabel’s team must address. The Patriots ranked 26th in sacks, 20th in sack percentage and 23rd in opponent’s time to throw last season, per Next Gen Stats, and that was before they lost pass rusher K’Lavon Chaisson in free agency.
More depth at safety is needed, too, despite the recent addition of veteran Kevin Byard. Targeting a linebacker also makes sense after the Pats released Anfernee Jennings earlier this month.
The 2026 class is loaded with impressive prospects who rush the passer, so the Patriots should be able to boost their front seven in this draft. Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest ESPN mock draft has nine front seven players being taken in Round 1.
Which specific players should the Patriots consider targeting with the No. 31 overall pick in the draft? Here’s a roundup of the latest expert predictions from mock drafts.
Phil Perry, NBC Sports Boston: Zion Young, Edge, Missouri
“You don’t have to watch Young for very long to see that there is violence to his game. Both against the run and the pass, the Michigan State transfer uses whatever force he can muster with his imposing 6-foot-6, 262-pound frame to dispose of blockers and hunt down ball-carriers. He has the length (33-inch arms) and power to be able to bull-rush opposing tackles on his way to quarterbacks. Against the run, he uses those same traits to bully tackles and tight ends relentlessly.
“Young might not be the most polished pass-rusher in the class, but he generated 6.5 sacks and 52 pressures for the Tigers last season, per Pro Football Focus. He was also one of the best players at this year’s Senior Bowl, and at 22 years old still has loads of room to develop.”
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
“The Patriots signed receiver Romeo Doubs to a four-year deal worth up to $80 million to replace Stefon Diggs, who was released this month. I like the signing a lot, but I’m not sure it fully checks the wide receiver box for New England. Concepcion averaged 15.1 yards per catch last season, and he’d stretch the field for quarterback Drake Maye.
“But don’t sleep on his ability to also turn quick routes into big gains. Concepcion had 449 yards after the catch last season. He’d also make an instant impact in the return game (two punt returns in 2025).”
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com: Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State
“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.”
Mike Renner, CBS Sports: C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia
“CJ Allen is another culture fit for the Mike Vrabel-era Patriots in the first round. He’s the biggest thumper in the linebacker class and can also be a weapon as a blitzer.”
Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
“One of my favorite players in the class, McNeil-Warren doesn’t have game-changing speed, but his twitch, agility and nose for the ball (at 6-3, 201 pounds) make him a tantalizing hybrid prospect.”
Joel Klatt, FOX Sports: Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M
“Howell’s gotten a knock for short arms. Just with Bain, though, go watch Howell’s tape. He was incredibly productive at Texas A&M this past season, and I think Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel will love having a guy like him on his roster.”