NFL mock draft 2026: New England Patriots select Max Iheanachor, OT, ASU

Apr 22, 2026 - 21:15

Sep 20, 2025; Waco, Texas, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils offensive lineman Max Iheanachor (58) in action against the Baylor Bears during the first half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images | Chris Jones-Imagn Images

Welcome back to another year of the SB Nation Community Mock Draft!

As we do every draft season, all 32 NFL sites at SB Nation come together to fill out an entire first-round mock draft leading up to the actual event that takes place from April 23-25. One by one, our site managers will make their picks and provide their reasoning behind the selection. From there, I will provide further analysis on top of giving a final opinion on the pick!

Without further ado, let’s head down the final stretch!

With the 31stoverall pick in the 2026 SB Nation Community Mock Draft, Pats Pulpit’s Matt St. Jean and the New England Patriots select Max Iheanachor, offensive tackle, Arizona State!

St. Jean’s analysis:

My analysis: Iheanachor is a prospect on the raw side but it’s his high upside and potential he showed in flashes during the 2025 season that has teams willing to take him in the first round, and that includes one of his best games that came against Texas Tech and their vaunted pass rush duo.

With surprising strength and a basketball background, Iheanachor has the makeup to be an all-around blocker with scheme-independence at the next level. The right coaching staff will unlock his best football and something tells me that Mike Vrabel’s team is a good place to to get that done.