As the NFL descends on Indianapolis for the 2026 Scouting Combine, the New England Patriots find themselves in an unfamiliar yet enviable position: picking at the back end of the first round after a deep playoff run that culminated in a Super Bowl LX appearance.

Following a 14–3 season under first-year head coach Mike Vrabel, the Patriots hold the 31st overall pick.

With Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf leading the front office, the Patriots are looking to transition from “surprise contenders” to a Super Bowl Champions.

Here are players to watch workout at the combine that could be in play for the Patriots in April’s Draft. I also give you three storylines Vrabel and Wolf could address when meeting with media. Wolf will meet with the media on Tuesday at 10 am while Vrabel will be meeting with the assembled media on Wednesday at 1 pm.

Player workouts to watch at the Combine:

New England’s needs center on replenishing the edge rush (potentially replacing K’Lavon Chaisson), finding a bookend tackle to potentially on the left or right side of the offensive line and adding explosive playmakers for the offense.

The Edge Rushers

Zion Young (Missouri): A long edge rusher who won Defensive MVP at the Senior Bowl. He fits the “Vrabel mold” perfectly as a pass rusher and run stopper. Young will make a favorable impression in drills with how well he moves laterally. A lunch pail type who would also be a good culture fit.

Akheem Mesidor (Miami): Led the ACC with 12.5 sacks. While older (25), he is explosive and should impress in testing. Fully expect him to be gone by 31 but he could drop because of how old he is.

R. Mason Thomas (Oklahoma): A twitchy pass rusher with high-end developmental upside. He should test well and solidify himself as a late first, early second round pick.

T. J Parker (Clemson): Parker has good length and is explosive. He will prove just how athletic he is when tests. I think he will impress and elevate his draft stock. Especially on the three cone shuttle and position drills.

Joshua Josephs, (Tennessee): Josephs is raw but should test well and impress with his explosiveness and lateral quickness. He will demonstrate why he is one of the most explosive and twitch edge players in this group.

Others

Cashius Howell, (Texas A&M)

Caleb Banks, DT, (Florida)

Lee Hunter, DT (Texas Tech)

Gabe Jacas, (Illinois)

Wesley Williams, (Duke)

Offensive Line

Monroe Freeling, OT, (Georgia): Freeling’s stock has been on the rise and a strong week in Indy will give him more momentum heading his pro day. Barring the medicals revealing something, I don’t see Freeling getting out of the teens.

Max Iheanachor (Arizona State): A massive tackle who can play either on the right or left side. Relatively new to football, he has room to develop as a player. Iheanachor could really improve his draft stock with the type of workout people are expecting of him.

Caleb Lomu (Utah): It is unlikely Lomu falls to 31 but give his side (6’6 305) and his athleticism, he is a player the Patriots will watch next weekend I expect him to test well.

Blake Miller (Clemson): A high-floor tackle with significant starting experience in a pro-style system. How he tests next weekend and at his pro day will determine if jumps into the teens in the first round.

Aamil Wagner (Notre Dame): A lean, athletic tackle who could be a developmental gem. I think he tests well and really improves his draft stock. Standing at 6’6 295, he has room to add a few pounds without sacrificing athleticism.

Trey Zuhn III (Texas A&M): A battle-tested blindside protector from the SEC. I love his size (6’7 320) and his experience. He has played a lot of football. Now we need to see how he tests because he has starter potential at the next level. Possible swing guy.

Others

Chase Bisontis, OT (Texas A&M)

Beau Stephens, OT/OG (Iowa)

Logan Taylor, OG (Boston College)

Pat Coogan, C (Indiana)

Skill Guys

KC Concepcion (WR, Texas A&M): A dynamic route-runner and “game-changer” in space—exactly what the McDaniels offense lacks right now. Assuming he runs, he will click one of the fastest receiver times at the Combine.

Jordyn Tyson (WR, Arizona State): A vertical threat who can stretch the field for Drake Maye. Drill work could illustrate just how smooth and fluid he is.

Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon): A mismatch nightmare who functions more like a large receiver. The best tight end in the class. He will impress in Indy and at his pro day.

Nicholas Singleton (RB, Penn State): A powerful runner with elite speed if New England looks to lighten Rhamondre Stevenson’s load. The Patriots could once again another running back in this draft. Singleton will impress.

Barion Brown (WR, LSU): A return specialist and deep threat with world-class track speed. He should make an impression with his workout and in drills. He could another speed threat like Kyle Williams.

Others

Max Klare, TE (Ohio State)

Chris Brazzell II, WR (Tennessee)

CJ Daniels, WR (Miami)

Eli Heidenreich, RB, (Navy)

CJ Donaldson, RB, (Ohio State)

Roman Hemby, RB (Indiana)

Three Key Topics for Vrabel and Wolf

As they take the podium in Indy, expect the Patriots’ leadership to address these three critical themes:

1. The “Win-Now” vs. “Sustained Build” Balance

After reaching the Super Bowl in year one of the Vrabel era, the internal debate will be whether to target high-floor veterans in free agency who can contribute immediately or high-ceiling talent in the draft who ensure the window stays open for years to come. Vrabel will do his best to speak to how difficult that balance can be. The Patriots would prefer to build through the draft if they can.

2. Retaining the Defensive Identity

With K’Lavon Chaisson hitting free agency after a breakout year and Jaylinn Hawkins also hitting the market, Wolf and Vrabel must discuss how to maintain a top-5 defense while adding the right pieces to the locker room. The Combine will be about finding the next “culture fit” who possesses the talent and character Vrabel demands.

3. Maximizing the Drake Maye Window

With Maye entering his third season, the priority is surrounding him with elite protection and playmakers. Wolf has shown a willingness to be aggressive in the trade market (notably the 2024 pursuit of Brandon Aiyuk), and they may discuss using Pick 31 as capital for a proven veteran rather than a rookie.