How Patriots’ 2026 draft picks can make an impact next season

No. 55: EDGE Gabe Jacas (Illinois)

Jacas’ aggressive play style and sheer power in the run game and as a pass rusher could make him an immediate impact player on the edge next season. He’s a potential three-down player because of his reliability as a run-stopper, and can be an eventual starter for the Patriots. He totaled 35.5 tackles for loss and seven forced fumbles at Illinois. The 21-year-old’s speed-to-power conversion earned him 27 sacks in college and can make him a productive pass rusher in the NFL. With veterans Harold Landry and Dre’Mont Jones already projected as starters, Jacas likely finds himself in a top rotational role throughout the season. However, if he begins to develop a more diverse set of pass-rush moves, Jacas can be a significant contributor later in the season and into the playoffs if New England progresses that far. Wolf said the rookie was atop the team’s draft board on day two, and the Patriots traded up to acquire him, indicating Jacas could factor in the defensive rotation early.

**No. 95: TE Eli Raridon (Notre Dame)**

Raridon can be a contributor next season as a pass catcher alongside Hunter Henry, though his long-term upside likely comes to fruition once he takes on a larger role. He remains a raw prospect that needs fine-tuning as a route runner and has battled injuries in college. Nonetheless, as Wolf noted, Raridon finally found his footing during his senior year with the Fighting Irish. In 2025, he posted 482 yards on 32 receptions (a 15.1 average per catch). The 6-foot-6, 245-pound tight end has a wide catch radius and can be a vertical threat at times; he’s a quality weapon for quarterback Drake Maye to target over the middle of the field in tight windows.

No. 171: CB Karon Prunty (Wake Forest)

At 24 years old, Prunty appeared in 46 games across five collegiate seasons at Wake Forest, North Carolina A&T and Kansas. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound cornerback’s extensive experience could allow him to quickly step into the top rotational outside role at the position, competing with Charles Woods over the summer. Prunty told the media after his selection that he also played as a gunner and jammer on punt units in college. If he eventually assumes that primary spot, it would start with Prunty’s special teams contributions.

No. 196: OT Dametrious Crownover (Texas A&M)

New England lost Vederian Lowe in free agency and has yet to re-sign Thayer Munford Jr., both of whom were key reserves at offensive tackle last season. Crownover’s measurables are striking — 6-foot-7, 319 pounds and an 86-inch wingspan — but he’s a developmental project. If the 24-year-old can cut down on penalties, which totaled 11 in 2025, and improve as a run blocker, he could be the Patriots’ secondary backup behind Lomu.

No. 212: LB Namdi Obiazor (TCU)

Obiazor arrives in New England with lengthy experience in kick coverage and projects as a core special teamer for the franchise. On defense, the linebacker is a sound tackler and has the speed to cover a lot of ground on defense. With the Horned Frogs, the 24-year-old posted 302 tackles with 17 for a loss, 8.5 sacks, nine pass deflections and three interceptions. If Obiazor can process plays at an NFL pace, he can immediately substitute as the weak-side linebacker for Christian Elliss when needed.

No. 234: QB Behren Morton (Texas Tech)

Morton offers three years of starting experience at quarterback and was a two-year team captain, understanding how to lead a team. At Texas Tech, he threw for 8,986 yards and 71 touchdowns to 28 interceptions; however, he struggles with consistent ball placement. Morton could crack the Patriots roster if he can improve his play processing and become a more reliable passer.

No. 245: RB Jam Miller (Alabama)

A recruit of former Alabama head coach Nick Saban, Miller possesses a sturdy, muscular frame at 5-foot-10 and 209 pounds. The soon-to-be 22-year-old shows notable limitations in pass protection and is not a player who consistently shifts laterally or extends runs — Miller hasn’t rushed for more than 25 yards on a single touch in college. Still, the running back could prove highly effective in goal-line and short-to-gain situations in 2026, based on his frame and aggressive play style.

No. 247: LB Quintayvious Hutchins (Boston College)

Hutchins, 23, is another reliable tackler who shows surprising power as a pass rusher for his size at the position, weighing 233 pounds at 6-foot-3. Like several other day three selections, the local product offers quality special teams experience and could secure a spot on New England’s practice squad in that role.