NFL Draft 2026 Review: New England Patriots

The New England Patriots surprised football fans last season by winning the AFC East Division with a 14-3 regular season and by reaching the Super Bowl due to the Denver Broncos injuring their own QB in the game before the AFC Championship Game.

However, Patriots QB Drake Maye was under siege in the 29-13 Super Bowl loss to the Seattle Seahawks. After this game was over, New England jumped into action during the off-season because owner Bob Kraft is already looking for a big finish next season.

New England traded for WR AJ Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles, who is now reunited with head coach Mike Vrabel. The Patriots also signed WR Romeo Doubs from the Green Bay Packers so that Brown will not be seeing double-teams the entire game.

New England just dodged a major debacle by not re-signing Stefon Diggs because he went from Cardi B to messing with dudes. However, the Patriots could not avoid the controversy between Coach Vrabel and former sports journalist Dianna Russini. The Patriots decided to keep Vrabel as coach, but most people are convinced that Russini still needs to have a paternity test done.

Nevertheless, the Patriots had 9 picks in this year's NFL Draft that they utilized in order to remain a contender this season.

Round 1, Pick 28: Caleb Lomu - OT - Utah. 6'6", 313 lbs.

Last season, Lomu did not give up a sack with the Utes. Lomu should definitely start right away at either left tackle or at right tackle because his blocking will be needed immediately.

Round 2, Pick 23: Gabe Jacas - DE - Illinois. 6'4", 260 lbs (43 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, 1 pass deflection, 3 forced fumbles).

Jacas made many high-impact plays last season for the Illini. Vrabel will find time for Jacas rushing the passer from both sides of the ball within the defensive end rotation.

Round 3, Pick 31: Eli Raridon - TE - Notre Dame. 6'6", 245 lbs (32 rec, 482 yds, 15.1 yds/rec).

Raridon is an excellent blocking TE, but he can also get downfield to make catches from time to time. He should see time immediately as the second TE or the third TE on the depth chart.

Round 5, Pick 31: Caron Prunty - CB - Wake Forest. 6'1", 190 lbs (40 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 INT, 8 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery).

Prunty is a tall corner that could see some time against taller wide receivers.

Round 6, Pick 15: Dametrious Crownover - OT - Texas A&M. 6'7", 319 lbs.

Crownover was a three-year starter for the Aggies. He will add depth at offensive tackle and should see time on the offensive line in short-yardage situations.

Round 6, Pick 31: Namdi Obiazor - LB - TCU. 6'3", 229 lbs (88 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 INT, 1 pass deflection, 1 forced fumble).

Obiazor will add depth at linebacker. He should see time on special teams as well, but will have to fight for a spot on the roster.

Round 7, Pick 18: Behren Morton - QB - Texas Tech. 6'2", 221 lbs (219 comp, 332 att, 66% comp pct, 2,780 yds, 22 TD, 6 INT).

Morton will be looking to make the team as the 3rd string QB or make the practice squad. He is a game manager.

Round 7, Pick 29: Jam Miller - RB - Alabama. 5'10", 209 lbs (130 rush, 504 yds, 3.9 yds/rush, 3 TD, 109 rec yds).

Miller will have an uphill battle to make this team.

Round 7, Pick 31: Quintayvious Hutchins - DE - Boston College. 6'3", 233 lbs (35 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 pass deflection).

Hutchins will have a tough road in making the team as an undersized DE. He could be given time to develop at OLB if he shines on special teams.

Overview: The only major need that the team had was at offensive tackle. That need was addressed. The Patriots used the rest of the draft to add depth at a variety of positions. Grade: C+.