The New England Patriots' 2026 NFL Draft class could have some key pieces for the future of the franchise.
They attacked the first three rounds like many predicted they would, with aggression in upgrading positions of need. They were very thin at offensive tackle last season, so they traded up to get a very talented tackle in Caleb Lomu. They desperately needed pass rush help from the edge position, so they traded up and got an absolute monster in Gabe Jacas. And finally, their starting tight end isn't getting any younger, so they needed to address tight end now. They did just that by betting on the tools and upside of Notre Dame's Eli Raridon.
With that being said, let's take a look at each of their first three picks and see how they can make an impact in year one and beyond.
Round 1: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Arguably, the Patriots' biggest weakness during their 2025 Super Bowl run was the offensive line.
They have one of the best quarterbacks in the league, but that means nothing if you can't protect him. Drake Maye was constantly under pressure or on the ground, and the Patriots clearly understood that protecting him was the number one priority this offseason. They traded up from Pick 31 to Pick 28 to secure a great talent in Caleb Lomu.
Lomu is a true pass-protection offensive tackle at 6'6, with decent length and impressive athleticism. He needs to put on some more size to succeed at the NFL level, but luckily for him, the Patriots already have two starters at tackle, so he won't be thrown to the wolves as a rookie.
He will likely play some meaningful snaps in 2026, especially since right tackle Morgan Moses is 35 years old. I believe Lomu was selected to be the successor to Moses after he leaves at right tackle, and Will Campbell will continue to be the left tackle. Campbell was very good before his injury, and then got eaten alive in the playoffs, so the idea is if the second-year lineman can get healthy and get back to his pre-injury form, he and Lomu will be Maye's protection for the next five to 10 years.
Round 2: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois
Gabe Jacas is my favorite pick from the Patriots' draft class.
He is violent in every aspect of the word when he steps on the field, which is the perfect fit for a Mike Vrabel-led team. He has great size at 6'3, 275 lbs, and is built to anchor a defensive line. Even at his size, he is an exceptional athlete, paired with a good bag of pass rush moves, and he has the potential to blow up any given play.
Jacas has the potential to become a game wrecker in New England and could turn into the number-one pass rusher as a rookie. The Patriots seriously lacked a solid pass rush off the edge last season, and adding Jacas to a defensive line of Milton Williams and Christian Barmore will be amazing for his development.
Teams have to account for Williams and Barmore, which would allow the Florida native to have favorable matchups to terrorize opposing quarterbacks. He was a team captain at Illinois, and plays like every snap is his last. When the Patriots make yet another playoff push in 2026, expect Jacas to be making key plays when the lights are the brightest.
Round 3: Eli Raridon, TE, Notre Dame
Eli Raridon is one of the most underrated picks in the entire draft.
At 6'6, 245 lbs, he moves like somebody half his size. He will have some time to develop behind Hunter Henry, while still being able to make an impact as a rookie. He could be one of the top targets in the red zone this season, and allow Maye to toss it up to an absolute freak in the end zone.
His combination of strength, size, and athleticism allows him to go up and get any jump ball in his area. A player with the tools Raridon has will be fun to watch in a Josh McDaniels offense.
The hope is that Raridon turns into the successor to Hunter Henry when he moves on, but he could be one of the breakout candidates for 2026, and will be used quite a bit in two-tight-end sets, as well as in the red zone. Overall, expect the Notre Dame star to put up some better numbers than expected, and expect him to make some jaw-dropping catches.
Did the Patriots reach on their picks? Or did they land some steals?
The Patriots traded up in the first round to get Lomu, as well as traded up in the second round to select Jacas-- two very aggressive moves that cost them both of their fourth-round picks.
Lomu was a top tackle prospect in this draft class, and many predicted he would be long gone by the Patriots' selection at Pick 31. When Lomu was available at Pick 28, New England didn't hesitate to go up and get its guy. Lomu could be one of the steals of the draft, especially if he turns into the franchise right tackle for the next decade.
I also believe Jacas and Raridon have the potential to be huge steals from this draft class. Jacas has the potential to be the Patriots' top pass rusher as a rookie, and Raridon could be a massive threat in the red zone for Maye.
Overall, these first three picks should be huge contributors in 2026 and beyond, which is a huge win for the New England organization.
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