Only one pick makes sense for the Patriots

The New England Patriots will have the No. 31 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and with it, a chance to get stronger in the trenches.

They've already committed to Will Campbell at LT and signed James Hudson and Alijah Vera-Tucker, so they will probably go defense first with that pick.

Should that be the case, they will likely go after a replacement for K’Lavon Chaisson.

Notably, with most of the top-tier pass rushers off the board, they will have to go after Missouri's Zion Young.

Zion Young is a perfect fit for the New England Patriots

Standing at 6-foot-6 and 262 pounds, Young has an NFL-ready body and a combination of power and pass-rush moves that could make him a contributor from day one.

Unlike other prospects like Cashius Howell, he doesn't boast any physical concerns regarding arm length or lack of size; he's an absolute unit of a human being and an unblockable force once he turns the corner.

Young comes with some issues off the field, including a DWI late in 2025, but that's also another reason why the Patriots might be just the right organization for him. 

Head coach Mike Vrabel will coach him hard and make sure he focuses on what matters to bring out his best.

The Patriots will face a much tougher schedule next season, and they will need someone to put pressure on the line of scrimmage and keep the opposing quarterback on his toes.

Young amassed 16.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in his final season in college, and his body of work makes him an intriguing selection at No. 31.