Patriots Double Down on D-Line in Mock Draft

0:00On April 1st, Patriots fans in ESPN's latest Mott Draft for 2026, New England grabs Florida defensive tackle Kayla Banks at the Banks, 31st overall pick. They're skipping defensive end or wide receiver early, doubling down on the defensive line instead. The team lost nose tackle Kaira's Tonga to free agency, leaving a gap up front, even with Christian Barmore and Milton Williams handling pass rush. Banks steps in as that big body to clog the middle and boost the rush. At 6 foot 6 in 327 pounds, Banks moves like a freak with a 5.040 yard dash. He turns heads at the senior bowl and combine after sitting out much of last season with a foot injury. Later rounds bring more line help. Arizona State right tackle Max Ihanakor at 63 who didn't give up a single sack in just 14. Pressures all year. Then Stanford tied in Sam Roush at 95 with 545 receiving yards and two scores to back up Hunter Henry. These moves could solidify the trenches

1:04and give the Pats a stronger foundation heading into next season, keeping defenses honest while the offense builds. That's your update from NFL News Today, powered by AI.