New England Patriots NFL Draft 2026 pick tracker: Grades, fits and scouting reports

AFC EastBillsDolphinsJetsPatriotsAFC NorthBengalsBrownsRavensSteelersAFC SouthColtsJaguarsTexansTitansAFC WestBroncosChargersChiefsRaidersNFC EastCommandersCowboysEaglesGiantsNFC NorthBearsLionsPackersVikingsNFC SouthBuccaneersFalconsPanthersSaintsNFC West49ersCardinalsRamsSeahawksScores & ScheduleStandingsFantasyNFL OddsNFL PicksNFL DraftPodcastsScoop City NewsletterNFL Draft UpdatesRound 1 GradesPicks TrackerBest AvailableThe BeastTop 300 Rankings2026 NFL Draft The Patriots traded up from 31 to 28 to ensure they got Utah’s Caleb Lomu, the last of the likely first-round offensive tackles. Jay Biggerstaff / Imagn Images Share article9The Athletic has live coverage of the 2026 NFL Draft. The New England Patriots entered the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23 with 11 picks over the three-day draft. In the first round, they traded up from 31 to 28 to ensure they got Utah’s Caleb Lomu, the last of the likely first-round offensive tackles. They wanted to secure their plan to bookend their offensive line in front of Drake Maye for years to come, especially after drafting left tackle Will Campbell a year ago. In the short term, Lomu might sit on the bench behind veteran right tackle Morgan Moses. But the reason for this pick was to have a long-term plan at the most important spots on the offensive line. Beyond Round 1, though, after last season’s magical run, the outlook has ramped up for the Patriots. The annual expectations of deep playoff runs have returned. That’s for several reasons, but none more important than Mike Vrabel’s arrival and Drake Maye’s emergence. Overall, the roster is good but not great. Important selections still loom as the franchise searches for more cornerstones at premium positions. They hope to build the team around those players, but the roster still needs work, particularly at edge rusher, wide receiver and tight end. Keep coming back here throughout the draft for grades and analysis of each Patriots pick. Really good value here. I had Lomu as being even with Blake Miller and Max Iheanachor (maybe even a tick higher than Iheanachor), as Lomu should be ready to start at right tackle opposite Will Campbell. This gives the Patriots two very athletic tackles who are plus run blockers. Lomu isn’t a flashy player, but he gets the job done. He’s very versatile — he could play right or left tackle and maybe even guard. The 49ers also might’ve been looking tackle here, so I don’t hate the trade-up. Nice pick. — Nick Baumgardner Lomu is an above-average athlete, which shows both in pass protection and the run game. He has consistent snap timing, with the mirror quickness to stay in front of wide speed and the body control to catch his balance and recover. In the run game, he explodes out of his stance to cover ground and fit on targets, both backside and out in space. However, he struggled to play with consistent aggression or leg drive as a run blocker — NFL power will be eye-opening for him. Scouts are also concerned with the lack of high-level edge rushers he faced in 2025 (his Texas Tech tape was a shaky performance and showed his youth). Lomu must get stronger and continue to develop his technique and grit, but NFL teams are understandably intrigued by his movement ability and ready-to-cultivate left tackle skill set. His upside points to him becoming an NFL starter. Needs more strength, technique and grit, but NFL teams are intrigued with his upside. Caleb Lomu is good news. Patriots fans could use that right now Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms