Patriots 7-Round Mock Draft After Impending A.J. Brown Trade originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.With the bombshell report surfacing from ESPN on Monday morning that all but confirms that the Philadelphia Eagles will be trading A.J.

Brown to the New England Patriots, it’s time to re-examine a Patriots mock draft.The 2026 NFL Draft is in just three days, and although I never took the bait, several Patriots analysts (somehow) convinced themselves that the Patriots were going to be taking a wide receiver in the first round. I believe that not only does a Brown trade mean the Patriots won’t be using an early pick at wideout, but it also disqualifies them from drafting a receiver altogether.There are just too many bodies in the receiving room now with Romeo Doubs, Kayshon Boutte, Demario Douglas, Kyle Williams and Mack Hollins. #Patriots seven-round mock draft after bombshell A.J.

Brown trade report pic.twitter.com/v7915X8wCd— Evan Cormier (@Cormier_Evan) April 20, 2026The Patriots add speed in round one by taking the SEC’s leading sack getter, Cashius Howell.In round two, the Patriots get their hands on one of the buzziest offensive tackles of day two in Gennings Dunker. I will be surprised if Dunker is available at 63, but the Iowa OT will be an NFL starter. In rounds three, four, and five, the Patriots invest in the defensive secondary, which, more than any other position group, needs depth.

New England has a handful of good/great starters, but they were asked to play nearly 100% of the snaps last season. Eli Heidenreich is one of the most fun players in this draft. He is a gutsy Swiss Army Knife type of player who will contribute in the passing, blocking, and running game, as well as on the special teams unit of whichever team drafts him.

He screams Mike Vrabel fit. Pat Coogan is an extremely smart multi-year starter at the center position. He adds depth to the interior offensive line with the smarts and experience to play any of the three positions if he needs to.More NFL: Adam Schefter Reveals Likely Trade Price For Patriots-A.J. Brown Deal