"The New England Patriots enter the 2026 offseason having experienced the worst possible season, losing the Super Bowl. Thankfully, it wasn't on a last-second field goal or even a close game. They were crushed by the Seahawks, 29-13, in a game that wasn't close. Now, Vrabel and his MVP-level quarterback, Drake Maye, can lick their wounds, and Vrabel can go to work on the offseason and his second year of a rebuild."
"Vrabel saw his offensive line give up six sacks in the Super Bowl and a whopping 21 in the postseason. That's not going to get the job done. His 80 percent turnover last season was an improvement, but it's arguable just how much. Clean pockets were scarce for Maye, and he has the bumps and bruises to prove it, including a dinged-up shoulder."
"The offensive line needs better pass-blocking additions, and on the other side of the sack equation, delivering sacks, the edge is also a position of top need. Vrabel has Harold Landry III, who's had injuries, and K'Lavon Chaisson, who's a free agent. If Chaisson leaves, the situation is even more tenuous, but even if he's re-signed, Vrabel needs to fortify the edge with at least two pass-rushers."
"The Patriots and Mike Vrabel know that their offensive line needs a major infusion of talent this offseason. He wastes no time in dropping his first-round pick for the second time in two years on a big left tackle. This time it's 6'7", 315-pound Monroe Freeling of the Georgia Bulldogs. Freeling is a left tackle, and he'll vie for an immediate starting spot at either tackle position or, at worst, be the No. 1 swing tackle."
The Patriots finished the 2026 season with a 29-13 Super Bowl loss to the Seahawks. Drake Maye remains an MVP-level quarterback but endured limited clean pockets and injuries, including a dinged shoulder. The offensive line allowed six sacks in the Super Bowl and 21 in the postseason, undermining protection. Turnover metrics improved to 80 percent but remain questionable in impact. Defensive edge depth is thin with Harold Landry III injury history and K'Lavon Chaisson facing free agency. The mock draft immediately targets offensive-line help, selecting Georgia tackle Monroe Freeling as a potential starter or swing tackle.
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