The New England Patriots own the No. 31 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The penultimate pick of the first round has produced several players over the last 10 years that serve as teachable selections for the Patriots in their preparation for the pick this year.
Let’s take a look at the players that were taken at No. 31 overall since 2016, who made the most out of their career, as well as who the Patriots have the potential to see on the board in 2026.
Every player selected at No. 31 overall in the NFL draft since 2016
- 2025: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Philadelphia Eagles
- 2024: Ricky Pearsall, WR, San Francisco 49ers
- 2023: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, DE, Kansas City Chiefs
- 2022: Daxton Hill, DB, Cincinnati Bengals
- 2021: Odafe Oweh, DE, Baltimore Ravens
- 2020: Jeff Gladney, CB, Minnesota Vikings
- 2019: Kaleb McGary, RT, Atlanta Falcons
- 2018: Sony Michel, RB, New England Patriots
- 2017: Reuben Foster, LB, San Francisco 49ers
- 2016: Germain Ifedi, RT, Seattle Seahawks
Best pick: Sony Michel
Michel quickly found favor in the Patriots’ offense under former coach Bill Belichick upon entering the league in 2018. He recorded 209 carries for 931 rushing yards, as well as six rushing touchdowns as a rookie. Michel was a fringe-1,000-yard rusher again in 2019 with 912 yards on the ground. After leaving New England, the two-time Super Bowl champion finished his career enjoying stints with the Los Angeles Rams (2021), Miami Dolphins (2022) and the Los Angeles Chargers (2022) before retiring from the NFL in 2023.
Shortest-lived career: Jeff Gladney
Gladney only lasted one season in the league. The Texas native recorded a forced fumble, as well as three passes defended, across 16 games played, 15 of which he started for Minnesota in 2020. He was waived by the Vikings prior to the start of the 2021 season.
Possible picks for Patriots at No. 31 overall
The Patriots need a wide receiver, as well as an edge rusher, heading into the draft. Linebacker and a versatile offensive lineman capable of playing on the right side are also positions of need for New England this offseason. Players that have the potential to go at the end of the first round that best suit the Patriots’ needs are Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion, Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers and Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Every player drafted with the No. 31 overall pick in the last 10 years