There’s a lot to like about the Patriots’ 2026 NFL Draft class after watching the front office maneuver up and down the draft board to select nine players.
Patriots fans have plenty of questions after watching the draft over the weekend. Let’s answer them in the latest installment of our Patriots mailbag.
@JaLinn346: Which pick was your favorite and least favorite?
It’s difficult to decide between offensive tackle Caleb Lomu, the Patriots’ first-round pick, and edge defender Gabe Jacas, their second-round selection. The Patriots traded up to acquire both players, and I loved the process. Lomu, picked 28th overall, was the last offensive tackle with a first-round grade, and the Patriots were aggressive in moving up to draft him. It’s notable that the Chiefs, who picked 29th overall, had Lomu in for a visit.
And it felt like there was a drop-off at edge defender after Jacas, as well. Missouri’s Zion Young (45th overall) was the last edge defender taken before Jacas. Then Keyron Crawford (67th overall) was the next edge defender off the board after Jacas. The Patriots clearly felt like one of the teams between 55 and 63, where they were originally picking, had interest in Jacas.
Ultimately, I’ll go with Jacas as my favorite pick of the bunch. The Patriots got him near the end of the second round, and I don’t think there’s a massive difference between him and players like Malachi Lawrence, Keldric Faulk, T.J. Parker, R Mason Thomas, Cashius Howell and Young, all of whom were taken much earlier.
As for least favorite pick, it would come down to cornerback Karon Prunty or linebacker Namdi Obiazor, but it feels silly to grumble about any picks made after the fifth round in this draft, since it was considered so weak.
But Prunty wasn’t listed on most pre-draft rankings, and Obiazor was regarded as a seventh-round/UDFA-type prospect. I can see the thought process on both picks, though.
I don’t completely understand how Prunty fell so far under the radar. He’s a tall, speedy cornerback who graded well on PFF throughout his college career. He’s on the older side, however. He started playing college football in 2020.
Obiazor also started playing college football in 2020. I thought the Patriots would address linebacker before the late sixth round. For that reason, I’d have Obiazor as my least favorite pick.
@JefferyReyjwr: Hey @DougKyed — early days, but who do you think could end up being the real steal of the @Patriots @NFLDraft draft class this year? #Patriots #NFLDraft #OneToWatch
The obvious pick is probably sixth-round offensive tackle Dametrious Crownover. He was being talked about as a potential third-round pick earlier in the pre-draft process and lasted all the way to 196th overall.
He’s got incredible size, length and athleticism. He allowed just three sacks during his college career after transitioning from tight end. The biggest question is if he can ever get playing time behind Will Campbell, Morgan Moses and Lomu, as well as other tackles on the roster like James Hudson and Marcus Bryant.
And if you’re going to take a running back in the seventh round, Alabama’s Jam Miller, who was a four-star recruit, is worth a flier.
Texas A&M offensive lineman Dametrious Crownover stretches before an NCAA football game against South Carolina Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
@thatghosthouse: Week 1 — the Patriots active backup OL are Lomu, Ben Brown and….?
Assuming Campbell, Moses, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jared Wilson and Mike Onwenu are starting, my guess would be the active backup offensive linemen would be Lomu, Crownover and Ben Brown.
But that’s a really good question. You could make a case for Bryant, Hudson or Caedan Wallace over Crownover.
@ofibroso: Next season team’s captains? #maildoug
All of last year’s captains — QB Drake Maye, tight end Hunter Henry, linebacker Robert Spillane, edge defender Harold Landry, cornerback Marcus Jones and safety Brenden Schooler — are still on the team. So, the Patriots could just run it back with those guys, and that seems the most likely.
Some other potential captains: Moses, running back Rhamondre Stevenson, wide receiver Mack Hollins, defensive tackle Milton Williams and cornerback Christian Gonzalez. I think Jacas and Campbell could be captains at some point, as well.
@double_Bro_7: You think it might’ve been smart to bring in Nuss late as a backup given that, imo I thought he’s a better QB but if Maye went down I’d feel more comfortable with Nuss than Morton
The Patriots clearly felt more comfortable selecting Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton over LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, who went undrafted.
It was reported in April that Nussmeier had a cyst on his back that was causing nerve pain. It wouldn’t be a surprise if that’s part of why he fell.
@thegoat783: Do you see them adding more at S, LB, IOL, and NT down the line? They feel thin at those spots right now
I’d be surprised if they made more than one or two significant moves, but they do seem to lack depth at those positions. I also think they could use one more edge defender, even after selecting Jacas.
@leon_kamitsis: What do you think will be their top 3 needs in the 2027 draft?
Wow. Looking way ahead already. I see needs down the road at wide receiver, guard, defensive tackle, edge defender, linebacker, cornerback and safety.
I know that’s a lot, but there are some aging players on the roster, and the Patriots have some difficult decisions to make with some bigger contracts.
@WaltFoote: Given no WR’s taken by Pats and Eagles taking Lemon, isn’t it likely the Pats have a handshake Brown deal with Eagles including which picks they will give up? Do league rules prohibit that?
League rules do not prohibit that, but obviously a handshake deal isn’t binding.
This draft only reinforced the likelihood that Brown will be on the Patriots after June 1. And it all but ensured that Brown won’t be a member of the Eagles.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter speculated Monday that the Patriots will wind up giving up a 2028 first-round pick for Brown. That makes some sense. If I’m the Patriots, I push to make it conditional while also giving up other assets.
