For fans and analysts alike, ever NFL Draft cycle works the same. You look at prospects, you read reports, you build a mental picture of what you do and do not like about a class, and heading into the main event you have a rough estimation of who you would want your team — in this case, the New England Patriots — to end up picking.
And then, there are those prospects who, for whichever reason, you are just drawn to. Maybe it’s their production, or their story, or what you believe they can be at the next level. You know, your guys.
With the 2026 draft approaching fast, we thought we’d take a look at some of our guys. First, the Pats Pulpit staff shares its picks, and then it’s on to you to share yours.
Pats Pulpit’s ‘Our guys’ in the 2026 NFL Draft
Bernd Buchmasser: S Bud Clark (TCU). It’s impossible to quantify what it is, but some players just have it. In Bud Clark’s case, it is big play ability. Maybe it’s impressive speed, his range or his anticipation, he just has a knack for finding the football as evidenced by his 16 career takeaways and two defensive touchdowns. Clark is not as highly-regarded as other safeties in this class — he is ranked 81st as the No. 5 safety on Arif Hasan’s consensus big board — but nobody should be surprised if he quickly made an impact in the NFL. Because, after all, he has it.
Brian Hines: TE Oscar Delp (Georgia). It’s not often you bang the table for someone who averaged just over 20 catches per year in college, but I’ll gladly continue to lead the Delpheads. Delp wasn’t done any favors by his offense or quarterback at Georgia during his two years as a starter, and tight end is a position where players can outproduce their college production in the NFL. I’ll take Delp as the next to do so, given his athleticism and versatility — along with the toughness he brings as a blocker.
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Taylor Kyles: TE Eli Raridon (Notre Dame). I think projected fourth-rounder Eli Raridon could be one of the steals of the draft. He’s 22 years old, durable, and shows the potential to do everything that’s asked of Josh McDaniels tight ends. Raridon caught all eight of his deep targets last season, and he drew a pair of defensive pass interferences on two other deep targets. Giving him a season to learn under Hunter Henry would be the cherry on top.
Matt St. Jean: ED Jaysham Barham (Michigan). Barham first caught my eye when it appeared he might come out of school last year. Instead, he went back to school and got even better. Barham played in a more traditional linebacker role in 2024 and was excellent in Michigan’s diverse defensive scheme. Then, he moved to the edge and picked up four sacks and 10 tackles for loss in 2025. Barham has good length and is explosive as a pass rusher, but his background as a linebacker means he is also comfortable dropping back into coverage. The fourth-year senior started 47 of his 48 college games, including every game as a Freshman All-American at Maryland. Barham is explosive, versatile, and experienced at a position where all three matter. In an NFL that is increasingly moving towards simulated pressures and complex blitzes, he should be a high-floor option for any team emphasizing that approach.
Pat Lane: OL Gennings Dunker (Iowa). Just look at the man, do I really need to explain myself? Outside of the fantastic mullet, he plays football like the guy he’s blocking punched his sister. The attitude and finish that he brings would fit perfectly with what they are looking for in New England. He was a media darling at the Senior Bowl, and it’s seems like he is a solid locker room guy too. He’s going to have to make the transition from tackle to guard in the NFL, but I love his upside long term, and think he will be a solid starter for years to come at guard.
Andrew Guindon: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo). Standing at 6-foot-4 and 201 pounds, McNeil-Warren is a versatile safety who can quickly attack downhill and carry tight ends and running backs in coverage. He’s a very aggressive tackler with a high motor, forcing nine fumbles in college, and is physical in run support. His discipline in the run game can improve if he prevents himself from being over-aggressive. He also lacks the top-end speed necessary to cover vertical routes in man coverage, but he has all the tools to be an incredible box and nickel safety. McNeil-Warren is a great option for a team just looking for a really good player who can start immediately. He also had a chance to transfer to a major collegiate conference after his junior season; however, he decided to remain loyal to Toledo.
So, here you have it: the staff’s guys. But who else are the players the Pats Pulpit family is proudly proclaiming? Please head down to the comment section to share.
