The New England Patriots won’t have a top-five pick like they have the last two years, but that shouldn’t stop them from addressing their needs in the 2026 NFL Draft.
New England could use upgrades at edge rusher, along their offensive line, and at wide receiver. Tight end and safety may also be considered positions of need.
Mike Vrabel and the Patriots will peruse free agency and the trade market for impact players, but there will also be intriguing options when they’re on the clock with the 31st overall pick. The question is, which draft prospects fit the Vrabel mold?
On a recent episode of the Next Pats Podcast, NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler of The Athletic joined Phil Perry to share his expert insight. Brugler named seven “Vrabel Guys” who could be on New England’s radar early in the draft:
Edge rushers
R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma
“I think if they’re willing to sacrifice size a little bit, R Mason Thomas from Oklahoma,” Brugler told Perry. “He’s ‘go, go, go’ Energizer bunny. The intangibles are there. I think that’ll fit.”
Keldric Faulk, Auburn
“If they’re willing to bet on more upside, Keldric Faulk from Auburn, he’s more of the bigger guy,” Brugler said. “He’s not gonna win with pure juice, but there’s the breadcrumbs of a guy that’s putting together his pass rush. So you’re kind of betting on the upside.
“I want to mention him because the intangibles, the leadership, the character, it’s off the charts with him. He’s a true junior and he was the leader of that Auburn defense. I think that’ll speak to Coach Vrabel.”
Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
“If they wait until the second round, a guy like Dani Dennis-Sutton from Penn State. I think that’s a name to know,” Brugler said. “He fits that mold of a big edge rusher who can give you some pass rush but is going to set the edge.”
Offensive tackles
Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
“He’s bigger, longer than Will Campbell,” Brugler said. “But in terms of the makeup, it’s similar. This guy, in four years at Clemson, missed one practice. Just because he broke his wrist. I mean, Vrabel, somewhere his ears just perked up. That’s exactly the type of guy that you want in this organization.”
Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern
Wide receivers
Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
“He’s a former basketball player. Both his parents played basketball, and you see that with the way he plays. The body control, the ability to make guys miss, the run after the catch. Ball skills are fantastic. … You see the toughness with the ball and without the ball, and I think that’s important.”
Denzel Boston, Washington
“He’s more of that prototypical big X who can get down the field, win with his hands,” Brugler said. “He can really beat you at all three levels. And as a blocker, he has the size, the strength, where he can wall guys off and really get after it.”
Also discussed in the episode:
- The latest from the NFL Combine
- Signs point to Patriots adding on defense this offseason.
- Pass-rush options for the Patriots.
- Do the Patriots NEED a No.1 WR?
- Dane Brugler on the depth of the draft.
