Patriots crack top five in AFC draft class ranking

How well did the New England Patriots do in the 2026 NFL Draft?

According to Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame, the Patriots were ranked No. 5 out of all 16 teams in the AFC and graded with a “B” for the selections that they made in this year’s draft.

The Patriots had the foresight to add depth to their offensive line with two swing tackles — offensive tackle Caleb Lomu and Dametrious Crownover — taken with the No. 28 and No. 196 overall picks, respectively, in the draft, serving as potential replacements for starting right tackle Morgan Moses once he retires.

Lomu was one of the most heralded tackles in this year’s draft class, and Crownover has athleticism that primes him to play behind Moses or starting left tackle Will Campbell next season.

The Patriots needed an edge rusher this offseason, and they got one of the best in the draft when they selected Gabe Jacas at No. 55 overall. New England also addressed the tight end position by selecting Eli Raridon — a pass-catcher who averaged 15.1 yards per reception in 2025 at Notre Dame — at No. 95 overall.

Cornerback Karon Prunty (No. 171 overall), linebacker Namdi Obiazor (No. 212), quarterback Behren Morton (No. 234), running back Jam Miller (No. 245) and edge rusher Quintayvious Hutchins (No. 247) rounded out the Patriots’ selections in the draft.

The Patriots walked away with many prospects that address several areas of need ahead of next season. New England opting not to select a top wide receiver in the draft is perhaps the only position of need that the front office neglected in the draft. Nevertheless, the Patriots will look to maximize their young talent beginning in 2026.