Patriots 2026 Draft: Live Updates, Pick-By-Pick Reactions, Instant Analysis
The New England Patriots, fresh off their trip to the Super Bowl, are back in the swing of things. Stockpiled with 11 draft picks and the willingness to move up and down the board with ease, the defending AFC champions have plenty of avenues to go down this weekend.
There's need along the defensive front, including edge rusher and defensive tackle. Executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf also highlighted the possibility of adding an off-ball linebacker later in the draft as well.
Offensively, a backup tight end would go a long way in the passing attack, while bringing in an offensive tackle to protect Drake Maye for the long-term may end up being the team's first round selection.
"I think we are going to continue to try to strengthen our team," head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters earlier this week. "Our first focus is going to be on Thursday night and making sure we get that right."
Here's your go-to place for all the Patriots' latest player selections, trade announcements, pick-by-pick analysis and anything else that arises during the three-day draft. Check out all of Patriots On SI's breaking draft coverage with in-depth pieces of incoming rookies here.
Trade! Patriots Acquire 28th Pick From Buffalo Bills For 31st/125th Overall Picks To Select Utah OT Caleb Lomu
The Patriots traded up! They saw a long line of offensive tackles go in front of them and decided to join in. Lomu is a tall human (6-foot-6, 313 lbs) and ran a sub-five 40-yard dash. The 21-year-old will be a player who starts his career on the bench, as veteran Morgan Moses will start the season at right tackle. But the athleticism is evident, and New England should enjoy what the longtime college starter can bring at the NFL level.
Instant Analysis: With the run on offensive tackles happening in the middle of the first round, the Patriots' hand was forced. They swung a deal with the division rival to jump and grab the last of the "good" offensive tackles in this draft. Lomu will ideally be the right tackle of the future.
On SI Breaking Coverage: "Patriots Hit Absolute Home Run With Caleb Lomu Pick", "Patriots Are Getting Talented Pass Protector In Caleb Lomu" & "Why Patriots Felt Comfortable Trading Up For Utah OT Caleb Lomu"
2nd Round, 63rd Overall:
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3rd Round, 95th Overall:
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4th Round, 125th Overall: Traded To Bills In Caleb Lomu Deal
Instant Analysis: The Patriots felt like a first round talent was beginning to slip, so they went up and grabbed Lomu at 28th overall. All it cost them was their first rounder (31st overall) and one of their fourth round selections. In the grand scheme of things, it's not that expensive for a player the Patriots hope is their future right tackle for at least the next half-decade.
4th Round, 131st Overall:
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5th Round, 171st Overall:
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6th Round, 191st Overall:
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6th Round, 198th Overall:
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6th Round, 202nd Overall:
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6th Round, 212th Overall:
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7th Round, 247th Overall:
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This article was originally published on www.si.com/nfl/patriots/onsi as Patriots 2026 Draft: Live Updates, Pick-By-Pick Reactions, Instant Analysis.
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This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 5:00 PM.