The Patriots went offensive tackle in Round 1 last year. Now, with the 2026 draft approaching, there's legitimate talk of doing it again—and Blake Miller from Clemson is squarely on their radar. That's either savvy roster building or a red flag about what's already on the roster. Probably both.
Miller's profile is the kind that should intrigue a Vrabel regime: a power blocker with functional athleticism and the footwork to handle speed-to-power transitions. At Louisville last November, he showed up in the film—consistent pad level, not getting overextended, understanding angles. This isn't a prospect who's going to dazzle you with highlight-reel athleticism. He's a technician. He wins with discipline and leverage. In Vrabel's scheme, that translates.
Here's the thing, though. The Patriots current OT depth chart includes Thayer Munford Jr., Lorenz Metz, James Hudson III, Morgan Moses, and several developmental pieces. That's a lot of bodies for a room that—if last year's first-rounder is performing—shouldn't need another premium pick at the position. Either the top of that room isn't as settled as it looks, or the front office has identified a significant gap in the long-term plan. My guess? Some combination of both. Moses is a veteran veteran at this point. Hudson is fine. But fine isn't championship-caliber. If Miller can come in and legitimately compete for a starting spot, this makes sense.
The real question is whether Eliot Wolf and company see Miller as a plug-and-play starter or a three-to-five-year project. Clemson OTs don't always translate immediately to the NFL—the college game allows them to sit upright more than the modern league demands. If Miller needs a year to adjust, taking him in Round 1 is aggressive. If they believe he's ready to contribute as a rookie and push for snaps, it's the right move.
Don't be surprised if this happens. The Patriots don't do much randomly, and they're clearly not convinced their offensive line is locked down for the next decade. That's a legitimate organizational concern worth addressing.
Based on reporting from Pats Pulpit.