The New England Patriots have a multitude of ways they could approach the 2026 NFL Draft. There are plenty of talented prospects that could make an immediate impact in Foxborough, and for a team coming off a Super Bowl run, the front office has some flexibility with its strategy.
Depending on how the board falls, the Patriots could have their choice of players who have the potential to be cornerstones of the future in New England. With that being said, let's jump into my first mock draft of April.
Round 1: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
With the No. 31 overall pick, the Patriots get lucky, and one of the most talented players in the Draft falls into their lap. Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor is a mountain of a human. At 6'7, 365 lbs, he is an immovable force at the tackle position.
Proctor is also one of the most elite athletes in this class. His speed and athleticism at his size are so impressive that Alabama actually threw him a screen pass while lining him up at receiver. They also used him as a wildcat quarterback on the goal line. The tools he has give him the potential to turn into one of the top tackles in the NFL.
He had some struggles in pass protection in 2025, but with the right coaching and development, he could become the Patriots' franchise right tackle for the next decade. The idea of Will Campbell at left tackle and Proctor at right tackle is something that should help Drake Maye sleep better at night, knowing he has serious protection for the foreseeable future.
Round 2: Derrick Moore, Edge, Michigan
With their second round pick, the Patriots address their biggest need, edge rusher. Michigan's Derrick Moore is the perfect fit for what New England is looking for. He is a great pass rusher that consistently gets pressure on the quarterback, and has the size to hold up at the NFL level. He has good burst off the line, and plays like a madman when he gets to rush the quarterback.
He could use some work with his run defense, but for a Patriots team that desperatley needed a pass rush from the edge position last year, Moore is a great fit. Not to mention he will be joining a defensive line that consists of Milton Williams and Christian Barmore, allowing him to have some favorable matchups, and become a nightmare for opposing offenses.
Round 3: Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia
In round three, the Patriots get Maye a weapon he can grow and develop with. Georgia tight end Oscar Delp has all the tools you could want in an NFL prospect. He is 6'5, 245 lbs, and ran a 4.48 in the 40-yard dash. This is some serious athleticism at his size, and this would be another prospect that the Patriots would be betting on his potential.
Getting him into an NFL program and assisting his development would be exactly what he needs. He would also not be thrown to the wolves as a rookie since veteran tight end Hunter Henry is still a key contributor in New England. Overall, if Delp can be used in the pass game as a rookie, and not forced to be the number one option, it would be ideal for him as well as the Patriots.
Round 4: Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU
Harold Perkins Jr. is one of my favorite prospects in this year's Draft. Two seasons ago, he was one of the top players in the nation as a freshman at LSU. But after a torn ACL, and some position changes, he had a couple down seasons. They moved him around from edge rusher, to off-ball linebacker, to the star position at LSU which is like the hybrid between safety and linebacker.
If the Patriots can get Perkins into the New England program, they could help him get back to his freshman year hype. Patriots defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr is a mastermind at scheming up blitzes. So giving him a weapon like Perkins that he could use as a chess piece would be a lot of fun. Perkins could make an immediate impact as a rookie in certain packages and schemes, and he could develop into a long term starter if he hits his stride in Foxborough.
How Could this Rookie Class Impact the Patriots in 2026?
If this is the Patriots rookie class, there should be a lot of excitement around New England. Proctor could battle with veteran Morgan Moses for the starting right tackle job, and turn into one of Maye's top protectors.
Moore would be the Patriots best edge rusher the day he steps in the building, and would be a huge boost to the pass rush. Delp will likely be used in passing situations to be a matchup nightmare for linebackers and safeties.
And finally, Perkins could be used as a pass rusher in blitz packages, and also used in pass coverage. Overall, each one of these rookies could make an impact in their first year, and could turn into cornerstones for the Pats if they hit their full potential.