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Latest ESPN mock draft has Patriots taking edge who can ‘play right away’
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- Latest ESPN mock draft has Patriots taking edge who can ‘play right away’
The Patriots will have some holes to fill in the offseason, especially on defense if K’Lavon Chaisson leaves in free agency.
In ESPN’s latest mock draft , Jordan Reid has New England drafting a potential replacement for Chaisson in Oregon’s Matayo Uiagalelei with the 29th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
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“The Patriots ’ massive turnaround from 4-13 in 2024 to 14-3 this season has been based in large part on coach Mike Vrabel’s development of the young core,” Reid wrote . “Uiagalelei can add to that core and is ready to play right away. He plays with all-out effort and is capable of fitting into multiple schemes at 6-foot-5, 272 pounds. Uiagalelei is already an asset in run defense but must continue to improve his pass-rush moves to help the Patriots on the edge, especially because K’Lavon Chaisson is set to become a free agent.”
Uiagalelei has six sacks, 32 tackles and two forced fumbles this season for Oregon. In three seasons for the Ducks, the edge rusher amassed 18.5 sacks, including 10.5 in 2024.
The 6-foot-5, 272-pound Uiagalelei would add size to New England’s defense and help pressure opposing quarterbacks.
For now, the Patriots are focused on their AFC Wild Card game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday as they look to make a lengthy playoff run under first-year coach Mike Vrabel.
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