The New England Patriots added some great players in the 2026 NFL Draft, but the question is, who will make the biggest impact? They added another great protector for Drake Maye, a true stud at edge rusher, and a great weapon at tight end, all in the first three rounds. So could each one of them play a huge role in 2026, or will some of them need more time to develop? Luckily, the Patriots are in a great position coming off a trip to the Super Bowl, and these rookies will be joining an already talented roster. With that being said, let’s dive into these prospects and see how they can help the team win.
Caleb Lomu, OT
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Oct 11, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Arizona State Sun Devils with Utah Utes offensive lineman Caleb Lomu (71) during the second quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
The Patriots made it clear they wanted to prioritize protecting Drake Maye this off-season, and they did just that in round one. Offensive tackle Caleb Lomu fell to the back end of the first round, and New England didn’t hesitate to trade up to secure their guy. Lomu was considered one of the best pass protectors in this Draft, but fell due to his struggles as a run blocker. He could also put on some size and muscle mass to help him at the pro level, but that shouldn’t be an issue with an NFL strength program. Lomu doesn’t have a clear path to start right away, but with current right tackle Morgan Moses entering his age 35 season, Lomu is likely to be the successor. If left tackle Will Campbell can get back to his pre-injury form, and Lomu is able to develop and turn into the franchise right tackle, Drake Maye will have his top two protectors for the next five years at least. There is also a path for Lomu to play some meaningful snaps as a rookie. If Campbell or Moses get hurt, then Lomu can easily slide into one of the starting tackle spots.
Gabe Jacas, Edge rusher
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Jan 29, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; American defensive lineman Gabe Jacas (52) of Illinois lines up during American Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
My favorite pick for the Patriots this year was easily Gabe Jacas, edge rusher from Illinois. Jacas is one of the most violent players from this Draft class, which is ideal at the edge rusher position. The Patriots seriously lacked pass rush from the edge position in 2025, and that was one of their biggest struggles in the playoffs. So when they traded up in the second round to take Jacas, it was obvious they saw the need for reinforcements there. Jacas will be the starter at edge the day he walks in the door at Gillette Stadium, and for good reason, he has the potential to turn into an absolute force. Dropping the Illinois edge rusher into a defensive line that consists of Milton Williams and Christian Barmore, will be huge for his development. It will allow him to have favorable matchups because opposing offenses need to account for Williams and Barmore. We could see Jacas be a double-digit sack guy as a rookie, and turn into a cornerstone of the franchise for the next decade.
Eli Raridon, TE
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Nov 15, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Eli Raridon (9) runs after a catch against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Notre Dame tight end Eli Raridon could make a huge impact as a rookie. His combination of size and athleticism will make him a huge threat in the red zone, and be a potential favorite target for Drake Maye. The current tight end room has some serious talent with Hunter Henry and Raridon, and the two could turn into a dynamic duo in 2026. Raridon is obviously the tight end of the future, but as a rookie, will be used in red zone packages and potentially when New England wants to take a shot down field. His massive frame and vertical make him a great down field threat, and he could develop into the next great New England tight end.