The 2026 NFL Draft is in the books. Now, only time will tell which picks work out and which ones don’t, but before any rookie hits the field, ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. sent out a grade for how the New England Patriots did this year.
Kiper gave the Patriots a “B” grade for their effort. That comes after they entered with some clear needs at offensive line and edge rusher, as well as more secondary needs to fill at linebacker, tight end, and safety.
Within his analysis, Kiper admitted he thought the Patriots would go edge rusher early. Instead, they selected Caleb Lomu, an offensive tackle, out of Utah.
“I thought New England might seek out the K’Lavon Chaisson replacement in Round 1,” Kiper wrote. “But the team went back to the offensive line well for a second straight year, taking Caleb Lomu at No. 28 after a slight trade up. Lomu was a top-25 player for me, and he’s very consistent as both a pass protector and run blocker. Patriots fans will likely want to know his arm length — it’s 33⅜ inches, much more in line with standards at the position. But Lomu also brings quick feet, which helps him adjust on the fly and keep speed rushers from reaching the corner. I’d like to see him fill out his 6-foot-6, 313-pound frame a little more, but the upside is there.”
Kiper would also add some praise for tight end Eli Raridon. New England added the Notre Dame tight end in the third round.
“Eli Raridon was another one of my guys this year,” Kiper wrote. “He has a big 6-foot-6 frame and can make plays down the field. It was probably a round early on him, but considering the other much-worse reaches on tight ends on Day 2, I’m OK with this move, especially since it helps Maye.”
The New England Patriots were Without Mike Vrabel for Day 3
GettyNew England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel
The scandal involving New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and reporter Dianna Russini has been hanging over the team. That would end up having its own impact on the NFL Draft, with Vrabel missing Day 3 to attend counseling.
Coming into the draft, Day 3 was projected to be massive for the Patriots, with eight scheduled picks. Through a mix of trades, the Patriots ended up making six picks without their head coach present.
There had also been conflicting reports on the day of about how active the Patriots were in terms of communication with Vrabel. Eventually, it was reported that the team denied being in contact with him.
It’s hard to say just how much Vrabel’s absence affected who the Patriots chose in the draft. However, given that EVP of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf admitted that the team will miss some “stability” without Vrabel, it’s safe to say there was a shakeup without him in the room.
Patriots First-Round Pick Excited to Block for Drake Maye
GettyNew England Patriots draft pick Caleb Lomu
The Patriots drafting Caleb Lomu in the first round was an interesting move, given it’s the second year in a row that they took an offensive tackle. That’s with the team insisting that they’re happy with Will Campbell long-term.
Lomu isn’t worried about that right now, though. His focus is on getting to play with and block for Drake Maye.
“I’m so excited for that. Younger quarterback coming in. Such an amazing player. I mean, what they’ve got going there, especially on their offense, I’m going to be a part of and just their team, they’re on the rise. It’s amazing. Drake Maye is such a talented quarterback. I’m so excited to be able to work with him every day, be able to protect him,” Lomu said.
“I’m a protector. I’m an offensive lineman. It’s my job to protect that guy. I’m going to do everything that I can to protect him. So, being able to go to work with him now is going to be amazing.”
Lomu may end up being a player who the Patriots look to develop for a season and move to right tackle. There, Morgan Moses is an aging veteran who could help him adjust. It would also give Lomu plenty of chances to block for Maye.
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