The New England Patriots may have set themselves up very well for playoff football with their first three picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
New England's two main issues in the 2025 playoffs were the offensive line and the pass rush from the edge position. Clearly, the Patriots' front office saw the issues and got very aggressive to fix them.
They traded up to get one of the top tackles in this draft class in Caleb Lomu, and they also traded up to get one of the most violent edge rushers in this class in Gabe Jacas. Not to mention, they also drafted a new weapon for Drake Maye in the third round with Eli Raridon, who could be an immediate threat in the red zone.
The question is, how could these rookies make an impact in the 2026 playoff push? Let's dive in.
Caleb Lomu provides the Patriots some much-needed OL depth
These first three picks of the 2026 NFL Draft not only set up the Patriots for the future but also gave them some immediate impacts for next season.
Lomu will play some meaningful snaps as a rookie, especially if one of the starting tackles gets hurt. However, he could become one of the key factors in the playoffs. It is a long season, and it is more than likely that New England will need serious contributions from the rookie tackle, and when the lights come on in January, we could see him as the starting right tackle. Whether that is because Morgan Moses is injured or Lomu just flat-out beats him for the starting job, there is a very high chance Lomu is one of Maye's top protectors heading into the postseason.
Gabe Jacas can bring some firepower to New England's defensive line
Gabe Jacas will likely be a starter the day he walks through the doors at Gillette Stadium.
The Patriots signed Dre'Mont Jones in free agency, and he will likely anchor one side of the line, while Jacas will likely play on the other side. Jones is an older veteran who will do the dirty work and clean up plays, while Jacas brings more juice and fire to the defensive line.
Dropping the Illinois product into an already very talented defense could skyrocket his production as a rookie and set him up to make huge plays in the playoffs. We will likely see some massive sacks from the rookie that could swing the momentum of games. As Vrabel says, "Big dogs come out in January," and I am willing to bet Jacas will be a part of that mentality.
Eli Raridon can blossom in Josh McDaniels' offense
Raridon is another player we could see some huge flashes from in the 2026 playoffs. The tools he has make me very confident he will make some big-time grabs in the playoffs, and by that time, Josh McDaniels will have the tight end included in his scheme, and he will be off and running.
Overall, the Notre Dame alum could have some serious juice with favorable matchups at the tight end position and will be a key contributor to the 2026 Patriots.
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