The New England Patriots addressed arguably their three biggest needs with their top three picks in the NFL Draft so far. To do so, they have left themselves with a large gap before their first pick on Day 3 of the draft at No. 171 overall, even though I believe it was worth it.
Now, let’s get into this Day 3 mock draft to see what players the Patriots might target to close out the draft. Just like yesterday, I am not going to have them trade up or down, even though I consider that to be very likely based on what we’ve seen so far,
As always, the rankings in parentheses show each player’s ranking on Arif Hasan’s consensus big board.
5-171: RB/WR Eli Heidenreich (Navy | No. 201): It’s possible that Heidenreich doesn’t fall this far, and the Patriots might have to move up to get him, but the consensus still has him down here, so I’m sticking with this pick. The testing metrics are off the charts, as the raw testing numbers are almost identical to Christian McCaffrey’s. That is a ridiculous comparison, of course, but I nonetheless love the upside and versatility that Heidenreich brings, and he could become the Patriots’ third down back of the future. I would be very excited about this pick, and I think that fans would quickly fall in love with this kid.
Mike Renner breaks down draft sleeper Eli Heidenreich and why his testing numbers are drawing Christian McCaffrey comparisons 😳“They’re about as identical as I’ve ever seen two prospects, not saying he will be Christian McCaffrey… I’m very curious to see where he goes.” https://t.co/55hBJd6Pq8 pic.twitter.com/n2W7hA1SYf
— Check the Mic with Steve Palazzolo & Sam Monson (@CTM_Show) April 15, 2026
6-191: DT Landon Robinson (Navy | No. 215): There’s no hiding it, I love Robinson, and no, I don’t care that I am doing back-to-back Navy picks. I wrote the draft profile for him for Pats Pulpit, and I think he should be available for the Patriots here. While Gabe Jacas is a very good run stopping edge who shows some pass rush upside, Robinson is a pass rushing defensive tackle. He has shown a consistent ability to beat blockers and get into the backfield and that fits what the Patriots want to do perfectly. He should be a very good complement to the likes of Dre’Mont Jones, Hunter Henry and Jacas on the edge.
Landon Robinson Cut Ups https://t.co/XHvad0DrAT pic.twitter.com/FVChTrw0Bh
6-198: P Jack Stonehouse (Syracuse | N/A): The Patriots might be in the market for a punter, and I think Stonehouse and Brett Thorson from Georgia are the two best in the draft. I chose Stonehouse here because of his past relationship with Jeremy Springer, and because he’s a good amount younger. It isn’t flashy, but the Patriots were willing to spend draft capital on a long snapper and kicker last year, so we know how much special teams matters to them. Based on how Bryce Baringer punted, especially in the playoffs, I think it might be time for a change, and Stonehouse at least offers some competition.
🔒 Locked inJack Stonehouse of Syracuse was locked in down in Texas prepping for next week's NFL Combine. #KohlsElite🎥 2026 Kohl's NFL Combine Prep pic.twitter.com/m1QQZNOtVU
— Kohl's Kicking Camps (@KohlsKicking) February 17, 2026
6-212: LB Justin Jefferson (Alabama | No. 198): The Patriots get the steal of the draft in the sixth round, and change their receiver room to one of the best in football overnigh…. Just kidding, of course, this Justin Jefferson is a linebacker who brings a toughness and athleticism to the position that the Patriots are going to love. He’s undersized, but he plays like his hair is on fire. He also provides special teams upside, which is a must for Day 3 linebackers. Even if he doesn’t pan out at his listed position, at least there is a path to him onto the field. He’s a project but as a a modern day linebacker could be what the Patriots are looking for.
Falcons 30 visit/Alabama LB Justin Jefferson (6-0 3/8, 223) has what he needs at his size: speed (4.54) & explosiveness (38.5 vert,10-5 broad)Loves contact/compact thud into ball carriersTrusted in coverage-1/2 his snaps 5 sacks, 2 FF last two seasons pic.twitter.com/dCOSxpBDXl
7-247: ED Keyshawn James-Newby (New Mexico | No. N/A): James-Newby is almost the polar opposite of Gabe Jacas. He is a speed rusher who didn’t really flash until his final two seasons in college football, both spent at small schools; he racked up 29.5 sacks and 19.5 TFL’s in the last two years combined at Idaho and New Mexico. He doesn’t have a ton of power, but the speed he brings off the edge is going to be a problem for tackles. He has a chance to make the team as a special teams guy, and could turn into a pass rushing specialist. The Patriots hit on Elijah Ponder in a similar situation as an undrafted free agent last year, and I like trying to do the same with James-Newby.
Keyshawn James-Newby – UNM EdgeHT-6'3 WT-245•52TKLs-9SKs-2FF+Great First Step+Strong Hand Placement & Usage+Great Motor+High Level Pass Rusher-Weaker Run Defender-Not a 3 down player initially-Potential Penalty Problem (19 in 3 years)Grade-Day 3 pic.twitter.com/zdOlUWEPdN
— Scouting Department (@ScoutingDpt) February 10, 2026
As a bonus, I am going to include some UDFAs that I think the Patriots might target should they become available:
So, there you have: officially the final Pats Pulpit mock draft of 2026. As always, please head down to the comment section to share your thoughts on the picks and what players you would like to see end up in New England either through the draft or rookie free agency.