Patriots Productive Drafting at 31st Overall

New England has found success with several key picks at the penultimate first-round slot.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:08am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes in navy blue, red, and silver, representing the Patriots' strategic approach to the NFL Draft.The Patriots' knack for finding value late in the first round has been a hallmark of their dynasty.Boston Today

The New England Patriots will have the 31st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a slot they've selected from four times in franchise history. While the Patriots have become accustomed to drafting late in the first round, they've had productive results with their 31st overall picks, including a Super Bowl-winning running back and a Pro Bowl linebacker.

Why it matters

The Patriots' history of success with 31st overall picks shows their ability to find valuable contributors late in the first round, an important skill for a team that has consistently drafted in the back half of the opening round due to their sustained excellence.

The details

The Patriots have selected four players 31st overall in their history - running back Kevin Faulk in 1999, linebacker Tedy Bruschi in 1996, running back Sony Michel in 2018, and linebacker Jerod Mayo in 2008. Faulk and Michel both played key roles in Patriots Super Bowl wins, while Bruschi and Mayo were multi-year starters and Pro Bowlers for the team.

  • The Patriots will have the 31st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
  • The Patriots previously selected players 31st overall in 1999, 1996, 2018, and 2008.

The players

Kevin Faulk

A running back drafted 31st overall by the Patriots in 1999, Faulk was a key contributor to three Super Bowl championship teams in New England.

Tedy Bruschi

A linebacker drafted 31st overall by the Patriots in 1996, Bruschi was a three-time Super Bowl champion and four-time Pro Bowler during his 13-year career in New England.

Sony Michel

A running back drafted 31st overall by the Patriots in 2018, Michel had a standout rookie season that included a Super Bowl-winning touchdown, though he struggled with injuries in later years.

Jerod Mayo

A linebacker drafted 31st overall by the Patriots in 2008, Mayo was a two-time Pro Bowler and the 2008 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year during his eight-year career in New England.

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What they’re saying

“The Patriots have become accustomed to drafting late in the first round over the few decades, they've also become accustomed of drafting from that specific draft slot as well.”

— Ethan Hurwitz, Author

The takeaway

The Patriots' ability to find productive players late in the first round, including at the 31st overall pick, has been a key factor in their sustained success and dynasty over the past two decades.