New England’s defense allowed the ninth-lowest passing yards per game in 2025, surrendering 193.5 per contest, with Christian Gonzalez headlining the group. Despite that strong unit, analysts argue an additional cornerback could provide long-term value and help form a potential pairing with Gonzalez.
One prominent projection has the Patriots selecting San Diego State corner Chris Johnson at 31. Johnson is viewed as a versatile defensive back capable of lining up at multiple spots in the secondary, and possibly at safety. He finished his SDSU career with 152 tackles, six interceptions and 14 pass deflections, and earned a high grade from Pro Football Focus, though his background from a G6 program raises questions for some evaluators.
Trade-down options remain attractive for New England. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported the Patriots have garnered interest from teams about the 31st pick, and New England has shown openness to moving down. Patriots executive Eliot Wolf indicated the door could remain open for wide receiver AJ Brown, with the Eagles likely interested in acquiring a first-rounder.
A move down could yield additional picks to address multiple needs, while still allowing the Patriots to pursue a high-floor cornerback option or capitalize on other strategic opportunities. The decision at 31 will influence both short-term depth and long-term cap and roster planning.
As the draft approaches, New England’s choice at 31 will shape the defense and roster construction for years to come, balancing the appeal of a young, versatile cornerback with broader trade and asset considerations.
