The New England Patriots are weeks away from reporting to training camp, but ESPN has already begun preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft.

New England secured protection for quarterback Drake Maye when selecting offensive lineman Will Campbell at No. 4 in the 2025 NFL Draft. Matt Miller’s way-too-early 2026 mock draft has the Pats locating more help for their young quarterback.

Miller projected the draft order using ESPN’s Football Power Index. Fans may disagree with New England drawing the No. 8 choice amid considerable preseason buzz, but it gives the organization a chance to make its third consecutive top-10 pick.

The exercise has the Patriots selecting Jordyn Tyson, a wide receiver from Arizona State. Miller compared Tyson to a 2023 first-round pick who made the Pro Bowl with 100 catches last season.

“Upside is intriguing when devising summer mock drafts, and Tyson has the potential to rise into the top 10,” Miller wrote. “At 6-foot-1, 195 pounds, he reminds me of Jaxon Smith-Njigba with his route-running ability and poise in space while effortlessly moving through a route tree. Tyson broke out in 2024, catching 75 passes for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns.”

However, Miller also noted that Tyson dropped eight of 114 targets during a breakout year with the Sun Devils. The former Colorado transfer must rectify that issue to receive early first-round consideration next spring, assuming he enters the draft.

“If he cleans that up, Tyson has the speed and route technique to be a top-10 pick and a prime target for young Patriots QB Drake Maye, who has shown franchise potential,” Miller added.

Tyson is the first wideout off the board in Miller’s mock before the Arizona Cardinals picked Clemson’s Antonio Williams at No. 14. While it shouldn’t concern the Patriots, fans also may be curious to know that Miller didn’t include Arch Manning. Since Miller expects the Texas quarterback to return to school in 2026, he instead projected the Cleveland Browns to take Cade Klubnik with the No. 1 choice.