After a successful turnaround this past season, the New England Patriots fell just short of winning it all. Now in the offseason, the Patriots will have some changes on the coaching staff, but they will be very similar.
Before we reach the NFL draft, New England will look to explore free agency with $41 million in cap space, per Over the Cap. This is before any potential extensions or cap casualties. While free agency is important, the key to building a Super Bowl team is through the draft.
Currently, New England holds 11 picks in this year's draft, holding at least one pick in every round. Through the first three rounds, New England holds one pick in each round. So, who should the Patriots look at with each of those all-important selections?
Early Patriots Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 31: Akheem Mesidor, Edge- Miami
Even though it was the offense that struggled in the Super Bowl for New England, when the clock begins, most talent at 31 should be on the defensive side of the ball. New England's defense, while impressive all postseason, could use some upgrades, most notably on the edge. Enter Akheem Mesidor.
Mesidor just wrapped up his sixth season of college football, contributing to the tough Miami defense that helped the team earn a spot in the National Championship. The Ottawa, Ontario native spent his first two seasons with West Virginia before transferring down south for his final four seasons. In this most recent season, Mesidor finished with a career-high 63 tackles and 12.5 sacks.
Adding Mesidor will give the Patriots a boost at the edge position, but he isn't a flawless prospect. Some knocks on Mesidor are that he will already be 25 when he begins his rookie year and that his run defense can be better. Regarding the age, it shouldn't be a big deal for the Patriots since he'll be more pro-ready on day 1. On his run defense, that's something the coaching staff can improve upon, but it should be easier for him playing next to Milton Williams and Christian Barmore.
Round 2, Pick 63: Max Iheanachor, Tackle- Arizona State
At the end of round two, the Patriots look to improve the offensive line by adding Arizona State tackle Max Iheanachor. Selecting is more of a pick for the future, bringing him in to eventually take over for veteran right tackle Morgan Moses.
During his senior season, Iheanachor didn't allow a sack for the Sun Devils. Given the Patriots' offensive line performance against the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl, he would be a welcome addition. Drafting Iheanachor also allows him to get accustomed quicker, learning from Moses, which would benefit him whenever he does take over.
With Iheanachor, his technique is still a little raw, meaning he would be best served not being a starter from the jump. This shouldn't deter the Patriots from selecting him, however, as you will need to look at a replacement for Moses sooner, rather than later, and it would be a mistake to pass on Iheanachor here.
Round 3, Pick 95: Jacob Rodriguez, LB- Texas Tech
Turning our attention back to the defensive side of the ball, New England lands one of college football's linebackers from this past season in Jacob Rodriguez. The fifth-year senior has been a force the past two seasons with 127 tackles in 2024 and 128 stops in 2025. Combined, Rodriguez has six sacks, though five came in 2024.
Where Rodriguez makes his mark defensively, though, is forcing turnovers. This past season, he finished with four interceptions and seven forced fumbles. His seven forced fumbles in 2025 tied the single-season record.
Along with forcing turnovers, Rodriguez is a smart linebacker who knows where to go. Combining his two strengths, you get someone who can cause opposing offenses nightmares.
As good as Rodriguez is, he comes with some downsides. Firstly, he is only 6'1, which could be a negative going against NFL pros. Secondly, he isn't the greatest athlete. Though he knows what spots to get to on defense, his speed could hold him back from truly succeeding at the NFL level.
Some could see that as reasons to avoid him, but to me, some of those things remind me of current Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane. Like Rodriguez, Spillane is 6'1 and lacks standout athleticism, but continues to make plays. Spillane would be the perfect mentor for Rodriguez, helping him become a valued member of a linebacker core that has some questions.