The New England Patriots are in a pretty good position heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. They addressed some of their needs in Free Agency, and now only have a couple real holes they need to fill. However, after a Super Bowl run last season, the Patriots are already ahead of schedule in their rebuild, which will allow them to go best player available with most of their picks. With that being said, let’s dive into some of my favorite prospects for New England. This list contains all realistic options, and one unrealistic target that would be dream if he fell all the way to New England.
Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU
patriots
Sep 7, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Nicholls State Colonels quarterback Pat McQuaide (7) rolls out of the pocket against LSU Tigers linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. (7) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Harold Perkins Jr. might be my favorite potential Patriot in the entire Draft. As a freshman, Perkins was considered one of the best players in the nation as a pass rusher and was pretty much a lock to be a first round pick. However, after a torn ACL, Perkins struggled in his second season and began to fall down Draft boards. Last season was when Perkins started to show flashes of his old self, playing the star position at LSU, you could see the athleticism and potential. He was used all over the field, lining up as a pass rusher, off-ball linebacker, and used in coverage as well. His closing speed and sideline to sideline ability should make NFL Defensive Coordinators fall in love, and I believe his best landing spot would be New England. New England’s current Defensive Coordinator Zak Kuhr is a mastermind at scheming up blitz packages, giving him a weapon like Perkins would be incredible. He would have a chess piece that he could move all around the field to create havoc for opposing offenses. Overall, if there is one player I want the Patriots to come away with in April, it is Harold Perkins Jr.
Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
patriots
Oct 19, 2024; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Germie Bernard (5) runs the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
Germie Bernard is one of the most underrated prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. He is smooth as silk when he runs his routes, and runs with a purpose when the ball is in his hands. His first step quickness is very impressive as well as his burst on medium routes. New England is a place he would do very well. The Josh McDaniels Offense loves an electric YAC receiver and Bernard can be just that. Some people may argue that Bernard’s game overlaps with current Patriots receiver Romeo Doubs too much, but I believe Bernard can play anywhere in the offense, and getting good football players on the roster should always be the top priority in the Draft. That is exactly what the Alabama receiver is, a good football player that could turn into a great one in the right scheme. Bernard is my favorite second round target for New England, and I would go so far as to say I would trade up from where they sit at pick 63 to get Bernard to Foxborough.
Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M
patriots
Nov 15, 2025; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive end Cashius Howell (9) reacts after a defensive play during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
The first word that comes to mind when describing Cashius Howell is juice. He is the type of player that will beat you and then let you know about it nonstop until the next snap. This is exactly what you want in a pass rusher, the alpha mentality, he knows he’s better than you and he is gonna let you know. His burst off the line is very impressive, and his ability to bend off the edge to beat an offensive tackle is something the Patriots desperately need. Lining him up on a New England defensive line that already consists of Milton Williams and Christian Barmore would be the perfect landing spot for Howell. Opposing offenses will be mainly focused on Williams and Barmore, which would give Howell a huge advantage as a rookie, and could lead to him turning into one of the league’s top pass rushers.
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State (Unrealistic Target)
patriots
Nov 30, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (0) against the Arizona Wildcats during the Territorial Cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Jordyn Tyson is arguably the best receiver in this entire Draft class, but after some serious injury struggles in college, some people predict he could have a decent fall on Draft night. It is very doubtful that he would fall all the way to pick thirty-one where the Patriots currently sit, but if he drops into the early twenties, New England could trade up to get Drake Maye his number one receiver. Tyson is everything you want in an NFL receiver, he is big, strong, fast, has elite route running ability, and incredible hands. One of the best traits you can have as a receiver is separation on your routes, Tyson does just that. When you watch his tape, you don’t expect him to be 6’2″ and 200 lbs with the way he moves. His routes are slippery, his hands are vice grips, and his athleticism makes him a threat anytime he steps on the field. He is my number one rated receiver in this class and would’ve been my number one in last year’s class as well. If he falls due to injury, the Patriots should strike immediately.
How could these players impact the Patriots?
patriots
Nov 11, 2023; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. (4) tackles Florida Gators wide receiver Marcus Burke (88) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Each one of these prospects could have huge impacts as rookies. They are all considered good prospects and in a culture and system like New England, each one of them could thrive. There is also a realistic chance where more than one of these players ends up in Foxborough. Mainly because Perkins and Bernard are projected day two picks, so if New England takes Howell in the first round, they could pair him with Bernard or Perkins. Overall, if even just one of these prospects ends up becoming a Patriot, fans should be very excited for their potential.