Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Clemson Tigers offensive lineman Blake Miller (78) against the Texas Longhorns during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Patriots Projected to Draft Replacement OT in First Round

Originally posted on New England Patriots on SI
By Ethan Hurwitz | Last updated Apr 2, 2026 7:00 AM ET

The New England Patriots drafted an offensive tackle in the first round in Will Campbell to kick off the first year of the Mike Vrabel era. Will it happen again in 2026?

According to CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson, it will. In his latest mock draft, Wilson has the Patriots drafted Clemson right tackle Blake Miller 31st overall. This pick may not be for this season, but for the seasons beyond 2026. Current right tackle Morgan Moses is entering his year-35 season, and it's time to get younger on the right side of the offensive line.

"Will Campbell is the Pats' left tackle," Wilson wrote. "The team continues to protect Drake Maye with Miller, who made enormous strides last season after an inconsistent 2024."

Is Miller the Right Pick for New England?

Miller has been a fast riser during the draft process, with some outlets projecting him as a high second-round pick, while others have him slipping into the first round. For the Patriots, drafting an offensive lineman signals their plans about how they hope to attack the right tackle position moving forward.

Because Moses doesn't have any guaranteed money on his contract after 2026, it makes plenty of sense for New England to get every possible drop out of the veteran offensive lineman before moving on. Having a replacement already in the wings would be an easy way to fill that hole in 2027, though it may not be the sexiest pick for this current season.

The Patriots have several other needs across the board that may be better suited for their first round selection. Edge rusher and wide receiver -- two spots that had offseason turnover last month -- are options at 31. Unless the team plans to move off of Moses after just one season in the starting lineup, drafting Miller (or any other offensive tackle for that matter), this is a pick to avoid issues in the future.

Other than Moses and Campbell, the Patriots have plenty of depth at tackle. Losing Vederian Lowe and Thayer Munford Jr. from a year ago, the need for a top swing tackle was there. New England did sign James Hudson to a one-year deal, while also having Marcus Bryant as a player who could continue to develop after not playing much as a rookie.

Speaking to reporters at the NFL Annual Meetings in Arizona this week, Vrabel was asked about how he wants to use the team's first round pick -- the latest they've drafted on day one since 2019.

"Best player available, hopefully," Vrabel said. "Maybe we trade up. Maybe we trade out. I don't know. I'm trying to bring the coach's perspective on a player and and the personnel side together to to bring the best person in there for our football team."

Along with taking Miller, Wilson has the Patriots selecting Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers 63rd overall and Penn State edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton 95th overall.

This article first appeared on New England Patriots on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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