Early 2026 Mock Draft Sees Patriots Select 11 Sack Defensive End

The 2025-26 NFL Season is just around the corner and analysts are starting to release their mock drafts. ESPN’s Field Yates released his first mock draft, having the New England Patriots select a defensive player with the 8th overall pick in next year’s draft.

Yates has New England selection defensive end TJ Parker from Clemson, who is entering his third collegiate season.

“Parker brings a blend of versatility and pass-rushing nuance. He is at his best as an edge rusher, but he has also shown the capacity to kick down to a 4i alignment (inside shoulder of the offensive tackle) and even drop into coverage. His production speaks for itself — he forced a Clemson-record six fumbles and had 11 sacks in 2024, and his 12.5 tackles for loss in 2023 were a school record for a true freshman. The Patriots, meanwhile, were last in the NFL in sacks in 2024 (28) and must keep addressing their pass rush. New coach Mike Vrabel will want to be tough on both sides of the line,” Yates wrote for ESPN.

In his two seasons of college football, Parker has logged 16.5 sacks and 89 total tackles (33 TFLs).

Pro Football Focus ranks TJ Parker as the number 1 defensive end in the country with the new college football season starting this weekend.

What TJ Parker Brings To The Pats Defense

If the New England Patriots were to select TJ Parker in next year’s draft, he would be a huge upgrade to a lackluster group.

Keion White and Deatrich Wise led the Patriots in sacks last season with 5 apiece. As mentioned earlier, Parker recorded 11 sacks last season, surpassing the two Patriots sack numbers just last season alone.

While the level from college to professional football is different, Parker would be an instant impact player in Foxborough. His sack production as a true sophomore last season can help elevate the Patriots’ D-line.

Parker will be 21 years old if he were to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft. It would allow the defensive end to develop in his first couple of seasons in the league and acclimate to the professional level.

Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer calls the Patriots “a year away” from competing, citing depth on the roster as an issue. If TJ Parker were to fall in the Patriots, it could elevate the Patriots’ defensive line to be one of the best in the league.

TJ Parker Learning From Patriots Coaching Staff

The Patriots brought in defensive line players to help increase sack production, including signing Harold Landry to a three-year deal, who registered 9 sacks last season.

Parker could learn from Landry, whose highest recorded sack season was 12 under head coach Mike Vrabel and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams with the Tennessee Titans.

If Vrabel and Williams can get their hands on TJ Parker, they could develop him into a Pro Bowl pass rusher as well.

Parker is currently listed as a top 10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, with the Patriots being labeled a fringe playoff team entering the 2025 regular season. If things go positively for Vrabel’s first year in New England, the chance of TJ Parker falling into their lap is low.