Two hundred and fifty-seven players will hear their names called during the 2026 NFL Draft next week. More than 100 others will sign on as undrafted free agents.
But most teams enter the draft with a board of players considerably smaller than the over 350 who will end up on NFL rosters next weekend. That’s because teams focus on their needs and how a player might fit their scheme.
Today, we use Dane Brugler’s “The Beast” (which profiles more than 400 prospects) to pick out five players who fit everything the Patriots are looking for in next week’s draft.
Brugler’s grade: Round 2, No. 44 overall
It still seems most likely that the Patriots use their first-round pick (No. 31) on an edge rusher, and it would probably be wise to target someone with a skill set that’s different from what they already have. They signed Dre’Mont Jones in free agency, who weighed in at 281 pounds at his scouting combine in 2019. Jones is a big edge player who excels against the run.
The Patriots could use the opposite, especially if that player supplants Harold Landry as a starter.
Thomas is someone who should fit what the Patriots are looking for. At 6-foot-2, 241 pounds, Thomas is much smaller than Jones (small enough that he should be available with the 31st pick). But he also comes with a much higher pass-rush ceiling than Jones, largely thanks to his speed.
Given his size, Thomas may always struggle against the run, but he’s the kind of true pass rusher the Patriots don’t have on the edge and would complement what’s already on the roster.
From “The Beast”: “Thomas is an undersized edge defender who combines first-step quickness with violent play strength and closing burst and never quits working to the football. His ability to vary his rush tempo leads to disruption and will help him find a meaningful role in the NFL.”
Brugler’s grade: Round 2-3, No. 63 overall
As we did at edge rusher, it’s important to consider what the Patriots already have at tight end when thinking about who they might draft at the position. Using a Day 2 pick there would make a lot of sense.
Hunter Henry has just one year remaining on his contract. The Pats gave free agent Julian Hill a three-year contract. And where does Hill thrive? As a blocker.
So the Patriots could use more of a true pass catcher at tight end, someone who can create mismatches out of 12 personnel.
Stowers could be just that. He’s a bit undersized (239 pounds), but his athletic testing was incredible (including a 45 1/2-inch vertical leap). He was a highly recruited quarterback before shoulder injuries forced a move to tight end, but he became a reliable receiver at Vanderbilt.
From “The Beast”: “Stowers will need to prove himself as a serviceable blocker at the NFL level, but he is explosive as a pass catcher, and I love the way he maximizes his catch radius. He has mismatch-creating potential and can eventually develop into an NFL starter.”
Brugler’s grade: Round 3, No. 79 overall
The Patriots don’t need an offensive tackle who can start right away. Will Campbell will start on the left side this fall, and Morgan Moses will start on the right. But they do need to draft a swing tackle who could develop into a starter capable of taking Moses’ place next year.
Burke could be just that. He has incredible size (6-foot-9, 325 pounds) and ideal length (arms measuring 34 1/4 inches), offering the right coaching staff all the tools of an NFL offensive tackle. Burke shone last season in his lone year at Memphis, which boosted his draft stock.
He’s still a raw prospect, but he’s the kind of player the Pats could develop for a year, ideally not having to play him much in 2026.
From “The Beast”: “Burke is a towering tackle prospect with predictable leverage issues, but he also has solid movement ability and a nasty disposition that will endear him to pro coaches. He has tools worth drafting in the middle rounds to be a swing tackle and potential starter.”
Brugler’s grade: Round 5
One of the Patriots’ biggest losses of the offseason was Khyiris Tonga, who was very good as a run stuffer up the middle a year ago. Now, the Pats would be wise to draft someone in the middle rounds who can take on that kind of block-eating role.
Barrett is just that kind of player. He has great size (312 pounds) and length (33 3/8-inch arms) and enters the NFL with a good reputation from college (he was a team captain last season).
He’s not going to be a pass rusher of the ilk of Milton Williams or Christian Barmore, but that’s not what the Pats need. They need someone who can help against the run and free up tackles for their linebackers.
From “The Beast”: “Barrett lacks sudden twitch in his movements, but his motor has a full tank, and he uses his length and power to stay detached from blocks. He is in the Alfred Collins mold as an early-down rotational lineman who can develop into more.”
Brugler’s grade: Round 5
The Patriots added free agent K.J. Britt to their linebacker group, but could still use more depth after losing Jack Gibbens, and off-ball linebacker is another position they’re expected to target in the middle rounds.
Fisher drew rave reviews for his work ethic in college. He’s a bit undersized at 230 pounds and doesn’t have blazing speed, but he plays with an intensity and physicality that could help on special teams right away and endear him to coaches.
From “The Beast”: “Fisher looks small at times on film, but he is equal parts athletic and tough, and his play personality should make him an easy sell in a war room. He projects as a low-end NFL starter, similar to Drue Tranquill.”
