When you're a Buffalo Bills fan, you know the AFC East title doesn't come easy—and last season, the New England Patriots made sure of that. After snapping Buffalo's five-year division crown streak, the Patriots marched all the way to the Super Bowl, only to fall to the Seattle Seahawks in a game that felt even more lopsided than the 29-13 final score suggests.
Now, with the 2026 NFL Draft in the rearview mirror, it's time to take a closer look at what our division rivals are building. Like the Bills, the Patriots prioritized quantity over flash, making nine selections to shore up their roster. Their biggest needs? Edge-rushing talent on defense and blocking support for young quarterback Drake Maye.
One of their more intriguing picks came on the offensive line. While much of the draft buzz surrounded tackle Will Campbell's length concerns, New England found a promising alternative in a player from Utah—a program known for developing trench warriors. He may not be as polished as Campbell was coming out of LSU, but he's a fine athlete with solid fundamentals. Given that right tackle was a weak spot for the Patriots last season, adding a capable blocker on the edge as Drake Maye enters Year 3 is a smart move.
On the defensive side, the Patriots had a clear connection to a certain edge rusher through new Bills defensive line coach Terrance Jamison, who previously coached at Illinois. While his film didn't wow everyone, he tested well and plays with relentless energy. That's important because, despite improving their interior defensive line with free-agent addition Milton Williams, New England's edge rushers struggled in one-on-one situations last year. The result? A 26th-ranked pass rush with just 35 sacks during the regular season. This pick addresses a glaring need.
Perhaps the most exciting addition for Patriots fans is a tight end from Notre Dame. When you watch him, you can almost convince yourself you're seeing an oversized receiver on the field. He tested as a borderline elite athlete and, thanks to his Fighting Irish pedigree, is well-versed in blocking. Expect him to grow into a key role on New England's offense—this is a player with serious upside.
Not every pick made sense, though. One fifth-round selection raised eyebrows across the league: a 25-year-old prospect who wasn't even on most draft radars. It was a head-scratcher on Day 3, and it'll be interesting to see if the Patriots found a hidden gem or simply reached.
As the Bills continue to build their own roster, keeping tabs on what the Patriots are doing in the draft is always essential. The AFC East isn't getting any easier, and New England is clearly reloading for another run.