New England Patriots
The bulk handed New England “B” grades in evaluating its complete draft haul.
The Patriots doubled up on offensive tackles within the 2026 NFL Draft, choosing Caleb Lomu within the first spherical and Dametrious Crownover within the sixth. It’s evident that the staff needs to load up within the trenches to raised shield quarterback Drake Maye.
New England chosen 5 offensive gamers and 4 defensive gamers with their 9 whole picks. The group took 5 of its draftees within the remaining two rounds to conclude the draft Saturday.
In response, the reigning AFC champions obtained largely optimistic “B” grades from draft analysts.
Right here’s the complete record of Patriots 2026 draft picks, and what consultants needed to say concerning the group:
- No. 28 general (Spherical 1): Caleb Lomu, OT
- No. 55 general (Spherical 2): Gabe Jacas, DE
- No. 95 general (Spherical 3): Eli Raridon, TE
- No. 171 general (Spherical 5): Karon Prunty, CB
- No. 196 general (Spherical 6): Dametrious Crownover, OT
- No. 212 general (Spherical 6): Namdi Obiazor, LB
- No. 234 general (Spherical 7): Behren Morton, QB
- No. 245 general (Spherical 7): Jam Miller, RB
- No. 247 general (Spherical 7): Quintayvious Hutchins, EDGE
Carter Bahns gave the Patriots their highest grade out of all of the consultants to weigh in. Bahns gave the Lomu choose an A+ and handed out his lowest grade to the Prunty choose with a C-.
Calling Wolf’s draft technique “aggressive,” Bahns applauded the Lomu choice. He mentioned New England might transition Will Campbell to protect, particularly contemplating that the staff doubled up at OT, however something is on the desk.
“May this draft be an indication of issues to return for Will Campbell?” Bahns wrote. “Only one 12 months after the Patriots chosen him No. 4 general, they took a left sort out within the first spherical and one other one within the sixth. Campbell struggled at instances as a rookie, particularly within the playoffs, and now that Lomu is within the image, the Patriots might transfer him inside to a guard spot.
“On the identical time, the Lomu choose might need nothing to do with Campbell in any respect. Morgan Moses is 35 and sure not lengthy for the beginning job at proper sort out, and Lomu might merely be his successor.”
Mel Kiper Jr. was largely impressed with the Patriots’ draft decisions, saying that he felt the staff addressed their pre-existing offensive line and tight finish wants effectively.
Kiper is a fan of Lomu’s quickness and believes he has upside, however thinks the 21-year-old may gain advantage from including weight.
The draft analyst isn’t positive which aspect of the offensive line Lomu will line up at, however supplied some perception into the chances New England has.
“May [Lomu] truly push [Will] Campbell inside and play left sort out, his school place? It’s potential. Would he change Morgan Moses at proper sort out? Finally, sure, however not but. Would he fall right into a swing sort out function and even kick inside to protect? All of these choices needs to be on the desk, and Lomu has the flexibility to assist this unit kind wherever.”
Kiper “loved” defensive finish Gabe Jacas’s pre-draft tape and known as tight finish Eli Raridon “one in every of his guys” on this 12 months’s draft pool.
Chad Reuter gave the Lomu choose itself an A- grade, however landed B general. Reuter mentioned Lomu’s ceiling is excessive, however he wants loads of improvement earlier than reaching it.
“Lomu must get stronger and continues to be rising as a run blocker,” Reuter mentioned. “His footwork in go safety is certainly ok to begin within the league. And if Will Campbell continues to wrestle exterior, he might transfer to protect and permit Lomu to take a shot on the blind aspect.”
Reuter didn’t fault New England for choosing Jacas the place they did, citing its pressing want for our bodies in its go rush. He additionally expects Raridon to “compete for the TE2 job” as a rookie this upcoming season, with Austin Hooper gone.
Matt Verderame and Gilberto Manzano gave the Patriots’ draft a B, which is a standard theme amongst consultants this 12 months. The pair mentioned the group was smart to bolster its sort out depth by including Lomu and Crownover.
SI believes Lomu will turn into a proper sort out in New England.
On Jacas, Verderame and Manzano mentioned he ought to “slot into the entrance seven” on protection. They known as Raridon “a real ‘Y’ tight finish” and anticipate him to assist the blocking sport up entrance.
Nate Davis mentioned his grade “isn’t supposed as a knock” in opposition to the staff, however known as Lomu, Jacas, and Raridon “succession plans” somewhat than picks to assist the Patriots get again to the Tremendous Bowl.
Davis, although, did point out that New England might have its sights set on a special participant: Eagles huge receiver A.J. Brown.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported final week that Brown “is more likely to turn into a Patriot put up June 1” through a commerce with Philadelphia. Brown has been linked to the Patriots as a potential commerce candidate courting again to final common season, as Brown’s relationship with the Eagles has faltered.
“Perhaps the cherry on high will arrive in just a few weeks within the type of Brown, a transaction that might higher body a forward-thinking draft, however that calculus may even contain parting with extra useful 2027 draft capital,” Davis wrote.
Nate Tice and Charles McDonald highlighted Lomu because the Patriots’ finest choose, calling the participant “unbelievable worth” at No. 28 general.
“Lomu might’ve gone a lot increased than this, however on the backside of the primary spherical he’s a steal,” Tice and McDonald wrote. “He can permit the Patriots to really play their finest 5 o-linemen and will even play proper sort out in the event that they hold Campbell on the left aspect.”
The pair isn’t in love with the Jacas choose, however known as Raridon a potential future Hunter Henry substitute.
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