Patriots Predicted to Take All-American OL After Record-Setting NFL Playoffs

"The obvious issue for the AFC champs during the playoffs was protecting QB Drake Maye, who was sacked 21 times in four postseason games, including six times by the Seahawks in Super Bowl 60," Davis and Ostly wrote. "RT Morgan Moses is under contract for two more years, but also just turned 35. Proctor can block out the sun, yet is an impressively nimble athlete at 6-foot-7 and 352 pounds. He might remind Patriots fans of former Tom Brady bouncer Trent Brown and could also help launch an already strong ground game to a stratospheric level."

If the Patriots select Proctor in the first round, it would signal a clear priority on protecting Maye after a postseason run that highlighted major concerns along the offensive line. Despite reaching the Super Bowl, New England struggled to keep its quarterback upright. That pressure frequently disrupted the passing attack and ultimately played a role in the team’s Super Bowl loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

Proctor’s size and athletic ability could help stabilize the offensive line for years to come. At 6-foot-7 and more than 350 pounds, he possesses the physical profile teams look for in a franchise tackle, while his mobility allows him to contribute both in pass protection and in the run game. His addition could also strengthen an already productive rushing attack while giving the Patriots greater confidence in their ability to build the offense around Maye.

Looking ahead, New England’s strategy in the 2026 NFL Draft will likely revolve around supporting its young quarterback after an otherwise successful season. Adding a cornerstone lineman like Proctor could help ensure that the offense continues to grow while limiting the kind of pressure Maye faced during the playoffs. The 2026 NFL Draft begins April 23 in Pittsburgh, where the Patriots could take a major step toward reinforcing their offensive foundation.