Patriots Predicted To Draft Pass Rusher Coming Off Career-Year

The New England Patriots had a surprise run to the Super Bowl, and now the team can use the offseason to further upgrade its roster.

New England has plenty of cap space and will be a team to watch this offseason. One way the Patritos can improve their roster is through the draft, and New England has the 31st overall pick.

Ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, analyst Jacob Camenker of USA Today predicts New England will select Zion Young, an EDGE rusher from Missouri.

“The Patriots have a few clear-cut needs, including a high-end receiver and a long-term successor for Morgan Moses at right tackle,” Camenker wrote in an article published on Monday. “However, their most pressing need is on the edge, where their top sack artist – K’Lavon Chaisson – is set to be a free agent.

“Young posted career-best marks in sacks (6.5) and tackles for loss (16.5) at Missouri last season and has the motor and tenacity that will appeal to Mike Vrabel.”

Young began his college career at Michigan State before transferring to Missouri. He spent the last two years at Missouri, and in his final college season, he had his best season, recording 6.5 sacks and a forced fumble.

Young would help bolster New England’s defense, and even if the Patriots bring Chaisson back, he can be a rotational player for a year before taking over as a starter later on.

The 2026 NFL Draft is set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.