20 best available picks for Patriots ahead of Day 2 of 2026 NFL Draft

TL;DR

The New England Patriots are preparing for Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft after selecting offensive tackle Caleb Lomu on Day 1. They are expected to focus on bolstering their defense, particularly at edge rusher, linebacker, or defensive tackle.

Key points

Patriots selected Caleb Lomu in the first round
Focus shifts to defense on Day 2 of the draft
Potential targets include edge rusher, linebacker, or defensive tackle

Caleb LomuWill CampbellMorgan MosesKevin Byard

With Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft in the books, the New England Patriots will now turn their attention toward the second and third rounds of the three-day event.

On Thursday, the Patriots fortified their offensive line by trading up with the Buffalo Bills in the first round to select Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu. That addition gives the team a swing tackle to either serve as a backup for Will Campbell on the left side or a backup/replacement for Morgan Moses on the right side.

It has given them more flexibility and depth at one of their most problematic positions.

After addressing the offensive side of the ball on Thursday, the expectation is for the team to shift its focus to defense on Friday, most notably at edge rusher, linebacker or defensive tackle. They might even be eyeing a safety at some point in the draft as an eventual long-term replacement for veteran Kevin Byard.

There are still plenty of talented prospects on the draft board who can help the Patriots win football games in 2026 and beyond. In no particular order, here are the best available prospects for New England heading into Day 2 of the draft: