What the New England Patriots do in the 2026 NFL Draft after losing in Super Bowl LX will be one of the biggest storylines late in the first round. The Patriots addressed both of their biggest needs in 2026 NFL free agency — edge rusher and wide receiver. But New England could target position again, especially if it meant giving quarterback Drake Maye another pass-catcher.
A trade up the draft board is a possibility too. But in his newest 2026 NFL mock Draft on Monday, NFL.com’s Gennaro Filice predicted the Patriots to stay at No. 31 overall and select Indiana receiver Omar Cooper Jr.
“The Romeo Doubs pickup was solid, but Drake Maye’s receiving corps still isn’t up to snuff following the release of Stefon Diggs,” wrote Filice. “Cooper’s a well-rounded player with a mature game that could immediately fill the slot role in New England.”
Cooper led the Hoosier with 69 catches and 937 receiving yards last season. He also had 13 receiving touchdowns for the national champions.
The Patriots could add Cooper to immediately upgrade their receiving corps, which features Romeo Doubs after NFL free agency. And adding Cooper wouldn’t disrupt anything New England might still do to acquire Philadelphia Eagles receiver A.J. Brown.
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