Patriots' 2026 Draft: Trench Depth & Skill Players

0:00It's April 26th. Welcome in. This is NFL News Today, where football meets AI, the 2026 NFL Draft wrapped up on Saturday, and the New England Patriots snag nine fresh faces over the three days. They kick things off in the first round by trading up to the 28th spot for Utah Offensive Tackle, Caleb Lemou, a big six foot six guy who tips the scales at 313 pounds. Instead of grabbing a pass rusher to help right now, they doubled down on the offensive line for the second year running. ESPN Draft Guru Mel Kuiper Jr. handed them a solid B grade overall, praising Lemou's quick feet and consistency in pass protection and run blocking. Fans are scratching their heads over that first round move, especially since the team needs edge rush help this season. Still, Kuiper sees upside in Lemou's frame, and skills, even if his arm length is on the shorter side at 33 and 3-8 inches. The Pats kept building after that with Illinois pass rusher Gabe Joccas in round two.

1:02Notre Dame tied in Eli Raradon in round three, and Wake Forest. Cornerback, Karin Printy in round five. They added Texas A&M Tackle, Demetrius Crownover, and TCU Limebacker Nandi Obiazor in round six, plus Texas Tech Quarterback, Baron Morton, Alabama. Getting back Jam Miller and Boston College pass rusher, Quintavia's Hutchins as extra third round halls. This class mixes trenches depth with skill players who could grow into starters, setting the Pats up for a rebuild that might pay off down the line.