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The New England Patriots have held several visits for key prospects on both sides of the football in the lead-up to the 2026 NFL Draft. With less than two weeks left to go, one thing has become clear: The Patriots will be one of the more unpredictable teams on the draft board.
ESPN's Jordan Reid and Mike Reiss teamed up for the Patriots' section in a recent piece breaking down draft scenarios for all 32 NFL teams.
Most are expecting New England to add an edge rusher, offensive lineman, linebacker, wide receiver or even a tight end early. However, few are talking about the team adding another defensive tackle to boost the interior part of their defense. That's an area where the team could surprise people in this year's draft.
Reid wrote:
“It's essential for the Patriots to attack the offensive and defensive lines in this draft. Don't rule out a defensive tackle for New England in the first two rounds, as it wants to continue to strengthen its rotation at that spot. Kayden McDonald (Ohio State) is someone to watch early, and Nick Barrett (South Carolina) is an interior defender to keep an eye on in later rounds.”
It's important to note that the Patriots lost Khyiris Tonga in free agency. The veteran defensive lineman was a key piece up front who helped solidify the team's run defense. So, whether it's early in the draft or later, the Patriots will have to address that hole at some point.
The team had a top-30 visit with McDonald back in March. Bleacher Report's Matt Holder even went as far as naming Vince Wilfork as his possible player comparison for McDonald. The Ohio State standout defender registered 65 tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks, one pass defended and two forced fumbles in his final collegiate season.
Meanwhile, Barrett is coming off a 2025 season that saw him record 42 tackles, six tackles for loss, and three sacks.
Both players could make an impact right out of the gate for New England. But especially in the case of McDonald, who could be available at No. 31 overall, would the Patriots be willing to pass up other areas of need to boost the interior part of their defensive unit?
Fans won't have to wait long to find out.
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: NFL insiders not ruling out Patriots taking unexpected draft direction
Continue reading...
ESPN's Jordan Reid and Mike Reiss teamed up for the Patriots' section in a recent piece breaking down draft scenarios for all 32 NFL teams.
Most are expecting New England to add an edge rusher, offensive lineman, linebacker, wide receiver or even a tight end early. However, few are talking about the team adding another defensive tackle to boost the interior part of their defense. That's an area where the team could surprise people in this year's draft.
Reid wrote:
“It's essential for the Patriots to attack the offensive and defensive lines in this draft. Don't rule out a defensive tackle for New England in the first two rounds, as it wants to continue to strengthen its rotation at that spot. Kayden McDonald (Ohio State) is someone to watch early, and Nick Barrett (South Carolina) is an interior defender to keep an eye on in later rounds.”
It's important to note that the Patriots lost Khyiris Tonga in free agency. The veteran defensive lineman was a key piece up front who helped solidify the team's run defense. So, whether it's early in the draft or later, the Patriots will have to address that hole at some point.
The team had a top-30 visit with McDonald back in March. Bleacher Report's Matt Holder even went as far as naming Vince Wilfork as his possible player comparison for McDonald. The Ohio State standout defender registered 65 tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks, one pass defended and two forced fumbles in his final collegiate season.
Meanwhile, Barrett is coming off a 2025 season that saw him record 42 tackles, six tackles for loss, and three sacks.
Both players could make an impact right out of the gate for New England. But especially in the case of McDonald, who could be available at No. 31 overall, would the Patriots be willing to pass up other areas of need to boost the interior part of their defensive unit?
Fans won't have to wait long to find out.
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: NFL insiders not ruling out Patriots taking unexpected draft direction
Continue reading...
