Patriots' Eliot Wolf Open to Moving Up in NFL Draft

New England has 11 picks, mostly later in the draft, but is willing to trade up for the right player.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 2:04am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football field or draft stage, with sharp planes of navy, red, and white colors overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract scene.The Patriots' draft strategy involves flexibility and a willingness to trade up, as they aim to land top talent before their division rivals.Today in Miami

New England Patriots executive Eliot Wolf revealed that the team is open to moving up in the 2026 NFL Draft, even though they currently hold the 31st overall pick. Wolf noted that the Patriots have 11 total picks, most of which are later in the draft, but they are willing to trade some of those selections to acquire a player they covet.

Why it matters

The Patriots' division rivals - the Bills, Jets, and Dolphins - all have picks ahead of New England in the first round. This could motivate the Patriots to trade up if they want to ensure they land a specific prospect before their AFC East foes do.

The details

Wolf told reporters that the Patriots are "open to anything" when it comes to improving the roster through the draft, including moving up to target a player they have identified as a priority. He said the team's draft strategy will depend on how the board falls and if there is a player they feel they need to go get.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26.

The players

Eliot Wolf

The New England Patriots' director of player personnel, who spoke to the media about the team's draft plans.

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What they’re saying

“We're open to anything. Whatever way we can possibly improve the team, we're open to. We have 11 picks. Most of those are kind of later in the draft, but we do have some flexibility with those 11 picks. I think it'll depend a little bit on how the board falls. If we view that there's a player that whether he's falling or there's somebody that we think we need to go get, we'll be open to those opportunities.”

— Eliot Wolf, Director of Player Personnel, New England Patriots

What’s next

The Patriots will continue finalizing their draft board and evaluating prospects ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, which begins on April 24.

The takeaway

The Patriots' willingness to trade up in the draft, combined with their division rivals picking ahead of them, suggests New England is determined to land a top talent that can help them remain competitive in the AFC East.