20 best available players for Patriots on Day 3 of 2026 NFL Draft

TL;DR

The New England Patriots enter Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft focusing on key positions like interior defensive lineman, linebacker, and offensive line. They have already made significant trades to address their needs in earlier rounds.

Key points

Patriots focus on key positions on Day 3 of the draft
Interior defensive lineman and linebacker are top needs
Patriots traded up for key players in earlier rounds

New England Patriots

The real test of the 2026 NFL Draft begins for the New England Patriots on Saturday.

All of the glitz, glamour and pageantry of the first two days of the event have been washed away by the morning tide. It's all 32 teams carrying their pickaxes into the coal mine to start digging for diamonds. History has shown they are out there, and it will fall on the Patriots to find them.

Coming into the final day, the positions of need for New England are interior defensive lineman, linebacker, offensive line, safety and edge rusher. It wouldn't be a surprise to see the team aim for a cornerback as well at this juncture of the draft.

They were aggressive in attacking their needs in the first two rounds by trading up for Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu and Illinois edge rusher Gabe Jacas, before taking Notre Dame's standout tight end Eli Raridon with the 95th overall pick in the third round.

From the consensus big board assembled by Arif Hasan of Wide Left, here are the 20 best available players for the Patriots on Day 3 of the draft.

20 best available players for the Patriots in Day 3 of the draft

CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
CB Keionte Scott, Miami (FL)
CB Keith Abney II, Arizona State
LB Kyle Louis, Pitt
EDGE Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
EDGE Joshua Josephs, Tennessee
DL Gracen Halton, Oklahoma
CB Chandler Rivers, Duke
S Zakee Wheatley, Penn State

Q&A

What positions do the Patriots need to fill on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Patriots are looking to fill positions including interior defensive lineman, linebacker, offensive line, safety, and edge rusher.

Who were the Patriots' notable picks in the first two rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Patriots traded up to select Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu and Illinois edge rusher Gabe Jacas, and also picked Notre Dame tight end Eli Raridon in the third round.

What strategy are the Patriots expected to use on the final day of the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Patriots are expected to aggressively target their positional needs, potentially including a cornerback, as they search for valuable players.