The New England Patriots are set to make the 31st overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. Unless the team decides to move the pick through a trade, New England will once again be on the clock late in the first round.
For the franchise, the 31st slot is familiar territory. Over the years, the Patriots have frequently drafted near the end of the first round, and the upcoming draft will mark the fourth time the team holds the exact No. 31 pick.
Patriots Prepare to Draft Late in the First Round
Selecting near the end of the first round has often been part of the Patriots’ draft history. The team’s success in previous eras frequently placed them among the final selections in Round One.
The No. 31 position has produced mixed outcomes for the franchise. Some players selected around that slot made lasting contributions, while others had shorter or less impactful careers.
As the 2026 draft approaches, the Patriots once again face the challenge of finding value from a late first-round selection.
| Draft Position | Team | Draft Year Context |
|---|---|---|
| No. 31 Overall | New England Patriots | Scheduled pick in the 2026 NFL Draft |
| Previous Occurrences | Patriots franchise | Fourth time selecting at this exact slot |
The team’s scouting and roster planning will play a major role in determining how successful the pick becomes.
Early Example: Johnson’s Short Patriots Career
One of the earlier players associated with the No. 31 draft spot was Johnson, who came from Southeastern Louisiana and was later recognized in the school’s Hall of Fame.
He joined the Boston Patriots after earning All-Gulf States Conference honors during his senior season in 1964.
Johnson spent two seasons with the franchise. During his rookie year he recorded 19 rushing attempts for 29 yards and added four receptions for 29 yards. He also handled limited kick return duties.
Across his two seasons with the team, Johnson appeared in 14 games each year but did not score a touchdown. After the 1966 season, his professional career came to an end.
Also see: Patriots Could Target Kenny Moore II in Trade as Colts Cornerback Seeks New Team
Slade Became a Key Defensive Player
Another notable name connected to the Patriots’ history around this draft position is Slade, who developed into one of the team’s most productive linebackers.
After entering the league from Virginia, Slade spent eight seasons with New England and became a consistent contributor on defense.
His achievements included a Pro Bowl selection and a Second Team All-Pro honor in 1997. Throughout his Patriots career, Slade recorded 51 sacks and 640 tackles.
Those numbers placed him among the most productive defenders in team history, and he was later named to the Patriots’ All-1990s Team alongside several legendary players.
Sony Michel Delivered Immediate Impact
Running back Sony Michel represents one of the most memorable Patriots players associated with the late first-round slot.
Drafted to help replace Dion Lewis in the backfield, Michel quickly made an impact during his rookie season.
Including postseason games, he produced 1,267 yards from scrimmage and scored 12 touchdowns during that first year. His most famous moment came in Super Bowl LIII when he scored the game’s only touchdown.
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Michel’s contributions helped the Patriots secure two Super Bowl championships during his time with the organization.
However, his production declined during the following seasons. After struggling in 2019 and 2020, Michel was traded to the Los Angeles Rams before the 2021 season in exchange for a fifth- and sixth-round pick. He later announced his retirement in July 2023.
| Player | Career With Patriots | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Johnson | Two seasons with Boston Patriots | Limited rushing and return production |
| Slade | Eight seasons with New England | Pro Bowl selection, 51 sacks, 640 tackles |
| Sony Michel | Key running back during title run | 1,267 rookie yards, Super Bowl LIII touchdown |
Looking Ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft
The Patriots’ history with the 31st pick shows that results can vary widely. Some players became long-term contributors, while others had shorter stays with the franchise.
As New England prepares for the 2026 NFL Draft, the team will once again attempt to identify a player who can strengthen the roster.
Whether the pick becomes an immediate contributor or a long-term development piece, the Patriots will hope the No. 31 selection adds another meaningful chapter to the franchise’s draft history.
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