Meet the nine players the Patriots selected in 2026 NFL Draft

The New England Patriots came away from the 2026 NFL Draft with nine new players, addressing needs along the offensive and defensive lines while adding depth at tight end, quarterback, and running back.

The headliner is first-round pick Caleb Lomu, an offensive tackle from Utah selected 28th overall after the Patriots traded up from pick 31. NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah praised Lomu's feel and awareness against stunts but noted he needs to add core strength. The Patriots were so convinced Lomu wouldn't be available at 31 that they canceled his pre-draft visit, betting they'd need to move up to get him.

New England traded up again in Round 2 for edge rusher Gabe Jacas out of Illinois, who amassed 27 sacks and seven forced fumbles over four seasons. Jacas credits his wrestling background for his handwork and maneuvering — he worked with pass-rush specialist Joe Kim, who was hired by Illinois from the Patriots' staff in 2025.

Round 3 brought Notre Dame tight end Eli Raridon, a 6-foot-6, 245-pound prospect who could eventually replace Hunter Henry. Raridon's injury history is a concern — he tore his ACL twice — but he's described as a willing blocker with starting upside if he can stay healthy.

Day 3 added cornerback Karon Prunty (Wake Forest), offensive tackle Dametrious Crownover (Texas A&M), linebacker Namdi Obiazor (TCU), quarterback Behren Morton (Texas Tech), running back Jam Miller (Alabama), and edge rusher Quintayvious Hutchins (Boston College).

Morton, a seventh-round pick, threw for 2,780 yards and 22 touchdowns last season but dealt with injuries throughout college, including a hairline fibula fracture and a Grade 3 AC joint sprain that required surgery. He'll compete for the third quarterback spot behind Drake Maye and Tommy DeVito.

Miller adds a physical presence to the backfield at 5-foot-10, 209 pounds, while Hutchins — the final pick of the entire draft — was a captain at Boston College under Bill O'Brien and brings local familiarity.

What This Means For You: The Patriots' draft had a clear identity: trench players and high-character athletes. Lomu and Crownover address a woeful offensive line, Jacas gives them a pass-rushing weapon, and Raridon could be a steal if his knees hold up. This isn't a flashy class, but it's the kind of draft that builds a foundation — which is exactly what a team coming off a rough stretch needs.