Two years ago, the Patriots might have had the fewest blue-chip players in the NFL. That’s a big reason they went 4-13 in 2023, Belichick’s last season in New England, and also 2024 with Jerod Mayo as head coach.

In the first seven-round mock draft of 2026, the New England Patriots bolster a position that faces a great deal of uncertainty heading into next season.

With the New England Patriots now slated to pick at the bottom of the first round of next year's draft, they may try to add more protection for their young quarterback.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba expessed interest in joining the New England Patriots prior to the 2023 NFL Draft, where he was taken by Seattle.

Interestingly enough, Jeremiah has the Bengals taking McCoy over a player that feels like the fan-favorite at the moment at No. 10, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. Downs went one pick later, No. 11 overall, to the Miami Dolphins.

In the leadup to the 2024 NFL draft, speculation was rampant. There were six quarterbacks who figured to be chosen high in the draft and perhaps even more teams that needed QBs were picking near the top.