New England Patriots

Patriots projected to bolster defensive line in latest NFL mock draft

The talented defender is noted for being a "fiery, active interior pass rusher with great technique and the burst needed to be a difference-maker at the 3-technique."

Mason Graham Patriots mock draft
Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham, projected as a possible Patriots pick in a recent mock draft, seen here playing in Sept. 2024. AP Photo/Al Goldis

By Hayden Bird

4 minutes to read

The latest Patriots mock draft update: With the Super Bowl now the only game remaining in the NFL season, Patriots fans can start turning more of their attention to what moves New England might pull off during a potentially busy offseason.

From the standpoint of team management, of course, it has already been a busy period. Jerod Mayo was fired, Mike Vrabel was brought in as the new head coach, and the team’s staff has already been largely reshaped. Now, the NFL draft speculation will begin to heat up.

As for the latest in mock drafts, ESPN draft expert Matt Miller unveiled his most updated slate of predictions on Monday morning. In it, the Patriots — equipped with the No. 4 overall pick — are projected to take defensive tackle Mason Graham from Michigan.

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It’s a somewhat surprising decision, and doesn’t specifically address any of the team’s apparent needs (residing mostly on the offensive line and at wide receiver). Miller justified the choice by predicting Vrabel and New England’s front office will address most of those aspects of the roster in free agency. Holding $92 million in salary cap space, the Patriots certainly possess plenty of financial firepower to make crucial signings.

As for Graham, Miller thinks Vrabel could be tempted to “use this pick to find a defensive cornerstone like he had in Tennessee with Jeffery Simmons.” Simmons, now 27, was a Titans first-round pick in 2019 during Vrabel’s tenure, and has made three Pro Bowls during his NFL career.

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“Graham is a fiery, active interior pass rusher with great technique and the burst needed to be a difference-maker at the 3-technique,” wrote Miller. “Graham, third-year defensive end Keion White and standout interior lineman Christian Barmore (currently out because of blood clots) would be a nice starting point for Vrabel and his new defense.”

New England’s pass rush struggled in 2024 after the decisions to trade Matthew Judon and Josh Uche. The Patriots finished last in the league with just 28 sacks. The run defense also suffered (thanks partly due to Barmore’s unfortunate absence), yielding over 130 rushing yards per game.

Miller also added a caveat that offensive line could still be the position New England drafts for, noting that “LSU tackle Will Campbell is an option if New England isn’t satisfied with its free agent haul.” Campbell has been a frequent projection for the Patriots’ fourth overall pick.

The NFL Draft is set to begin on April 24 this year, and will be hosted in Green Bay.

Trivia: Who is the most recent defensive lineman to be drafted by the Patriots as a first-round pick?

(Answer at the bottom).

Hint: 2015, from Texas.

Scores and schedules:

On Sunday, the Celtics rallied from a 26-point deficit to defeat the 76ers 118-110. Boston will be in Cleveland on Tuesday night to play the Cavaliers at 7:30 p.m.

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Also tomorrow, the Bruins will host the Wild at TD Garden at 7 p.m.

Tonight, the men’s Beanpot gets underway with the semifinal round at TD Garden. Boston University vs. Harvard begins at 5 p.m., with Northeastern vs. Boston College at 8 p.m.

Aside from games, today is also the Red Sox “Truck Day,” when the team’s gear is loaded onto a truck and driven 1,480-miles down to JetBlue Park in Fort Myers, Florida.

More from Boston.com:

Bill Belichick’s Super Bowl breakdown: The former Patriots coach gave his overview of the Chiefs offense and Eagles defense.

On this day: In 2002, a dynasty was indeed born (just not the one Rams wide receiver Ricky Proehl thought would happen). The Patriots reached the first Super Bowl of the Tom Brady-Bill Belichick era after a surprising run.

Upsetting near-historic Super Bowl odds, the underdog Patriots defeated the Rams 20-17 with a dramatic Adam Vinatieri field goal as time expired.

Daily highlight: Former Celtics first-round pick Guerschon Yabusele enjoyed a highlight moment against his old team on Sunday, though Boston rallied to win the game in the end.

Trivia answer: Malcom Brown

Hayden Bird

Sports Staff

Hayden Bird is a sports staff writer for Boston.com, where he has worked since 2016. He covers all things sports in New England.

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