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The New England Patriots are projected to add a defensive playmaker in Chad Reuter's latest 2026 NFL mock draft. The NFL.com writer picked the Patriots to take University of Georgia linebacker CJ Allen with the 31st overall selection.
Allen is coming off a tremendous season for the Bulldogs last year. He recorded 88 tackles, eight tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks on the year. That incredible effort led to him earning first-team All-SEC honors for the 2025 season.
Reuter noted Allen's leadership, along with his knack for chasing down ball-carriers, as real reasons for the Patriots to consider taking him in the first round.
Reuter wrote:
“The Patriots lock up a team leader in the middle of their defense, Allen’s film shows he can reach ball carriers when they're in his sights.”
The Patriots could use help at linebacker after releasing Jahlani Tavai and Marte Mapu. Veteran defender Jack Gibbens also left New England for the Arizona Cardinals in free agency.
Whether it's in the first round of the draft or later, the Patriots are expected to address the linebacker position at some point.
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots projected to land All-SEC defender in 2026 NFL mock draft
Continue reading...
Allen is coming off a tremendous season for the Bulldogs last year. He recorded 88 tackles, eight tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks on the year. That incredible effort led to him earning first-team All-SEC honors for the 2025 season.
Reuter noted Allen's leadership, along with his knack for chasing down ball-carriers, as real reasons for the Patriots to consider taking him in the first round.
Reuter wrote:
“The Patriots lock up a team leader in the middle of their defense, Allen’s film shows he can reach ball carriers when they're in his sights.”
The Patriots could use help at linebacker after releasing Jahlani Tavai and Marte Mapu. Veteran defender Jack Gibbens also left New England for the Arizona Cardinals in free agency.
Whether it's in the first round of the draft or later, the Patriots are expected to address the linebacker position at some point.
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots projected to land All-SEC defender in 2026 NFL mock draft
Continue reading...
