NBA
Blazers' lack of fan T-shirts invites questions
Portland Trail Blazers to skip fan T-shirts for playoff games
ESPN News1 min read
NFLPreview
Patriots links 4/20/26: Must-haves, needs & wants
TL;DR
The New England Patriots are preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft, focusing on key needs and potential prospects. Discussions include positional rankings and draft strategies to support quarterback Drake Maye.
Key points
- Patriots focus on 2026 NFL Draft preparations
- Key needs include edge rush and offensive line support
- Malachi Lawrence and Gabe Jacas visited for pre-draft meetings
- No. 31 pick viewed as advantageous for talent selection
- A.J. Brown trade discussions ongoing but challenging
New England Patriots
- **Patriots** updated Free Agency Tracker and Mock Draft Tracker.
- **Evan Lazar** posts his final draft rankings for the 2026 NFL Draft: Positional rankings, round grades, strengths and weaknesses, and more.
- **Patriots Draft Countdown podcast:** Mike and Evan highlight the top edge rushers in the class; Plus they identify additional key weapons and players to build around QB Drake Maye. (12 min. video) **LOCAL LINKS**
Q&A
What are the New England Patriots' top needs for the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Patriots are focusing on enhancing their edge rush and offensive line to support quarterback Drake Maye.
Who are the top edge rushers linked to the Patriots in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Malachi Lawrence and Gabe Jacas are among the projected top 50 edge rushers that the Patriots have hosted for pre-draft meetings.
What is the significance of the Patriots' No. 31 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The No. 31 pick is seen as a 'sweet spot' for the Patriots, allowing them to select from a deep pool of talent.
What are the latest updates on A.J. Brown's potential trade to the Patriots?
Recent reports indicate that the Patriots are considering a trade for A.J. Brown, but giving up two early picks is viewed as unlikely.
