New England defensive tackle Cory Durden made his feelings known after a recent mock draft that placed an interior lineman in the Patriots' first-round slot.
Durden quote-tweeted NFL.com analyst Daniel Jeremiah’s latest mock — which projected Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald to New England at No. 31 overall — appending a laughing emoji to the screenshot.
The reaction suggested Durden doubts the need or fit of that hypothetical pick. But would selecting an inside defensive lineman in the late first round make strategic sense for the Patriots?
On paper the Patriots’ interior line doesn’t look like a glaring weakness. Last offseason the team signed Milton Williams to a four-year, $104 million contract; Williams recorded 3.5 sacks, 29 tackles and 36 pressures across 12 games, according to Pro Football Focus.
Christian Barmore remains a foundational piece, particularly against the run, and his full salary is guaranteed for the 2026 season. Durden, who appeared in all 17 games after joining New England as a free agent, sits behind those veterans on the depth chart.
New England’s rotation also features Joshua Farmer, Jeremiah Pharms Jr. and Leonard Taylor III. The roster included