The Patriots did sign Dre’Mont Jones as a free agent, but Young could provide a jolt for a team that lost K’Lavon Chaisson and Anfernee Jennings.
Edge Cashius Howell: Howell had 11½ sacks last year with Texas A&M, and his 6-2, 253-pound frame and explosive burst make him an ideal fit as someone charged with getting after the quarterback. Howell, who met with the Patriots at the combine, has an idea of what Vrabel is looking for.
“I definitely know [Vrabel is] a very good coach, a very intentional coach,” Howell said. “He knows what he wants. I’d be blessed to be able to be drafted by them.”
Edge Akheem Mesidor: At 6-3 and 265 pounds, Mesidor can line up inside and outside, providing pressure — he had 12½ sacks last season — while holding up well against the run. His age is a question, having turned 25 earlier this month, and he has an injury history that raised some concerns. But the production is impressive, as is his attitude.
“You can call me a seasoned rookie,” he said at the combine about his age. “I think I’m coming in more mature.”
Defensive tackle Kayden McDonald: The Patriots figure to be in the market for either an edge rusher or offensive lineman in the first round, but McDonald could cause them to rethink their plans.
He’s a massive guy (6-2, 326 pounds) who could shore up a defensive front that lost Khyiris Tonga in free agency. He also is an Ohio State guy who has a knack for stopping the run, two things that likely appeal to Vrabel.
Offensive tackle Blake Miller: Given his ACC pedigree and track record, this 6-6, 317-pounder feels like a very safe pick if he’s there at No. 31 and the Patriots are looking to go offensive tackle. He made 54 starts at right tackle for Clemson, a school record for non-specialists, and comes with a toughness and occasionally ornery approach that Vrabel loves.
Offensive tackle Max Iheanachor: A former basketball player who was a late comer to football, Iheanachor drew some pre-draft buzz after he was spotted working with Vrabel during Arizona State’s Pro Day.
He’s a massive prospect (6-6, 321 pounds) who did not allow a single sack last season at Arizona State. He played right tackle as a collegian, and could theoretically step in and provide depth at both tackle spots and take over on the right side if the 35-year-old Morgan Moses decides to call it a career.
Wide receiver Omar Cooper: Cooper was a favorite target of Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, who at the combine compared his teammate to a “prime Deebo Samuel.”
The 6-foot, 199-pounder has nice positional versatility, having played in the slot and outside. His size allows him to compete for contested catches, and he has the speed to beat cornerbacks deep. He had 21.2 yards per catch in 2024, and last season had 69 catches for 937 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns.
Wide receiver KC Concepcion: The speedy Concepcion had 185 catches for 2,218 yards and 25 touchdowns in three collegiate seasons. The 6-foot, 196-pounder won the Paul Hornung Award as the nation’s most versatile player; he also has special teams value as a returner, with a pair of touchdowns on punt returns last season.
Concepcion also has an inspiring story; his stutter has followed him his whole life, and he penned an essay for The Players’ Tribute recently that detailed his journey.
Wide receiver Denzel Boston: The 6-4, 212-pounder led Washington with 62 catches for 881 yards, distinguishing himself as a big-body target who can overwhelm defenders. He has a knack for winning on contested catches, and his 20 receiving touchdowns combined is a testament to his red-zone prowess. (And what other team is going to draft a receiver with the last name Boston?)
Tight end Eli Stowers: Vrabel has said on multiple occasions that he’s a big fan of the depth of the year’s tight end class. If New England doesn’t try and trade up for Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq, the athletic Stowers could be the move at 31.
At 6-4 and 239 pounds, the former Texas A&M quarterback had 62 catches for 769 yards and four touchdowns last year with Vanderbilt on the way to winning the John Mackey Award for the nation’s top tight end.
Christopher Price can be reached at christopher.price@globe.com. Follow him on Bluesky at christopherprice.bsky.social.
