2026 NFL Draft Grades: New England Patriots

These 2026 NFL Draft Grades will be posted minutes after each pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Keep in mind that these NFL Draft Grades are based on team needs, player value, positional value, and any trade implications. Follow @walterfootball for updates.



New England Patriots

NFL Draft Team Grade: B+ Grade

Goals Entering the 2026 NFL Draft: New England’s primary goal is clear. Drake Maye must be protected after he was sacked at least five times in every playoff game. Multiple offensive linemen must be acquired to give Maye a better chance next year. Meanwhile, the defense must acquire some help in the secondary, with both cornerback and safety being areas of need.

2026 NFL Draft Accomplishments: The Patriots had a dilemma. They were drafting at No. 31, yet all of the first-round tackles were flying off the board. They had to trade up, and they were lucky enough to find an unusual partner in the Bills, who allowed them to obtain the final opening-round tackle on the board. New England secured Caleb Lomu, who could provide a big upgrade for New England at right tackle.

The Lomu pick earned the Patriots an “A,” as did the second-round choice, Gabe Jacas, who provided great value at No. 55. That’s where the overwhelming positivity ends, however, as none of New England’s seven other draft choices scored better than a “B” grade. This began with the third-round selection, Eli Raridon, who should have gone later because of his checkered injury history. None of the picks made on Day 3 really stood out, but none of them were overly horrible either.

While the Patriots had a mixed bag of draft scores, what helped was that they addressed their weak offensive line twice. They could have spent a third pick on a blocker, as some of the wasted third-day choices could have been used to help Maye’s protection. Still, the Patriots did well overall.



NFL Draft Individual Grades:


28. Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah – A Grade

We’ve seen some sketchy trade-ups, but this was a great one. Caleb Lomu was the final tackle available in the first round, and he easily could have gone to the 49ers or Chiefs. Drake Maye was sacked at least five times in every single playoff game, so New England had to obtain someone like Lomu.


55. Gabe Jacas, DE, Illinois – A Grade

The Patriots have traded up again, and I like that they did so once more. Gabe Jacas could have been chosen early in the second round as a quick and strong defensive end. He’s a good player in run support and the pass rush, so the Patriots are getting a quality upgrade on the edge.


95. Eli Raridon, TE, Notre Dame – C Grade

It’s not a surprise that the Patriots drafted a tight end, with Hunter Henry aging. Eli Raridon is a good route runner with plus athleticism, but carries a very checkered injury history. I thought he would go later than this because of his injuries.


171. Karon Prunty, CB, Wake Forest – B Grade

Karon Prunty is fine for this range for the Patriots, who needed to bolster secondary depth. Prunty is a talented zone corner, but he’s very weak and needs to beef up for the NFL.


196. Dametrious Crownover, OT, Texas A&M – B Grade

Dametrious Crownover has a big body and needs to improve his conditioning. If he can, he could end up competing for a starting job if the Patriots have injuries up front. I had him going in this range, so this is a nice choice for the Patriots, as any sort of quality blocking is welcome.


212. Namdi Obiazor, LB, TCU – C Grade

Namdi Obiazor is an athletic and productive linebacker, but he’s small and may not have much of a role outside of special teams. I didn’t have him being drafted.


234. Behren Morton, QB, Texas Tech – C- Grade

Behren Morton is accurate, but doesn’t see the field well and makes poor decisions. This is not a pick I would have recommended. Why not just go with Garrett Nussmeier?


245. Jam Miller, RB, Alabama – B- Grade

Jam Miller was not impressive last year and appeared to be weighed down by injuries. Maybe he can overcome them and be a decent backup behind TreVeyon Henderson, but that probably won’t happen.


247. Quintayvious Hutchins, DE/OLB, Boston College – C+ Grade

Quintayvious Hutchins is an extremely fast edge rusher with a high motor, but is severely undersized. He might just be too limited to be in the NFL.

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