After coming up just short in the Super Bowl, the New England Patriots head into the 2026 draft in a much different position than they were a year ago. The foundation is clearly there, especially with Drake Maye looking like the franchise quarterback, but there are still a few areas the team needs to address if it wants to take the next step.
According to former Patriots stars Devin McCourty and Jason McCourty, the biggest priority should be making sure Maye gets more help around him. Both believe New England needs to address this key area in the draft if they are to further build on the success they had in 2025.
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Devin McCourty and Jason McCourty believe the New England Patriots still need one game-changing edge rusher who can completely alter the way offenses prepare.
In their view, having players like Milton Williams and Christian Barmore on the interior is valuable, but it is not enough if teams do not have to worry about pressure coming from the outside as well.
“You need a dynamic pass rusher,” McCourty said. “Somebody that dictates what the offense does.”
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He pointed to players like J. J. Watt and Aaron Donald as examples of defenders who forced offenses to change their protection schemes every week.
“With guys like that, teams are always sliding protection their way,” McCourty explained. “That leaves other guys one-on-one.”
Watching the Super Bowl, McCourty felt the Patriots were missing exactly that kind of player.
“It stood out to me,” he said. “You’re looking at them and thinking, ‘Man, they really do not have that guy right now.’”
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Potential Options for the Patriots at the 2026 Draft
The New England Patriots have enough talent in place that they do not need to force a pick in the 2026 draft, but there are still a few positions that stand out as priorities.
The biggest one is edge rusher. After losing K’Lavon Chaisson in free agency, the Patriots no longer have a clear difference-maker coming off the edge. Dre’Mont Jones and Harold Landry III should help, but neither is the type of player who forces offenses to change their entire game plan. Adding a young pass rusher who can rotate in immediately and develop into a long-term starter feels like one of the most logical moves New England could make.
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The offensive line is another area worth watching. The Patriots have already done a solid job building around Drake Maye, but more tackle and guard depth would go a long way. Veterans are getting older and the team cannot afford to have protection become a weakness again.
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel looks on during a game.
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The secondary could also use more depth, especially after how much the defense relied on players like Christian Gonzalez and Kevin Byard last season. Finally, wide receiver remains an interesting option. It may not be the biggest need, but if the Patriots see a dynamic weapon on the board, it would be hard not to think about giving Maye another target.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
