The Three Greatest First Round Picks in Patriots History

2. Willie McGinest - Linebacker/Defensive End

Willie McGinest was the No. 4 overall selection in the first round of the 1994 NFL Draft out of Southern California. He played 12 of his 15 NFL seasons with the Patriots and was known for being one of the cornerstones of New England's success during Super Bowl championships in 2001, 2003 and 2004.

His versatility is what puts him so high on this list, as McGinest played defensive end and linebacker and earned Pro Bowl honors in 1996 and 2003. In total, he also helped the Patriots post nine winning seasons in 12 years, and led the team to six division titles, four conference championships and the previously mentioned three Super Bowl championships.

1. Bruce Armstrong — Offensive Tackle

Selected at No. 23 overall in 1987 out of the University of Louisville, Bruce Armstrong holds the team record with 212 games played, starting in every one of them and is also a six-time Pro Bowl participant. His significance with the Patriots is also extra strong when one considers that Armstrong remains one of very few players in league history to play with the same team in three different decades.

Armstrong served as an absolute anchor for the Patriots' offensive line through the late 1980s and 1990s. He played the last eight games of the 1999 season with three torn ligaments in his right knee and was named an alternate to the Pro Bowl that season.

The Patriots are more so known for being a dynasty that has an appreciation for more higher-profile positions such as quarterbacks and wide receivers. Putting someone from the offensive line at No. 1 — especially someone with the caliber such as Armstrong — can hopefully serve as a brief hint to readers in what kind of position groups will likely be prioritized in 2026.

Honorable Mention — Mike Haynes, Cornerback

A first-round draft choice of New England, Mike Haynes was voted the NFL defensive rookie of the year and played for the Patriots from 1976-82. He was known for his tenacious man-to-man coverage and also made his mark as a punt return specialist; he was the first Patriot to ever return a punt for a touchdown.

While he was traded to the then-Los Angeles Raiders following 1982 and would go on to be a part of two Super Bowl championships, his initial career with the Patriots is not to be forgotten.

The Patriots will almost certainly need to invest in the defensive line in the upcoming 2026 first round, but the second and third round talent along the offensive line is off the charts. Based on former success, developing this kind of talent should certainly not be a problem for the franchise.