The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off live from Pittsburgh on Thursday, April 23 and the latest crop of rookies will be hearing their names called all weekend long. For the New England Patriots, the biggest need is an obvious one: Edge rusher.
The Patriots let K'Lavon Chaisson walk after he produced a team-best 74 pressures in 2025. New England added Dre'Mont Jones to play alongside of Harold Landry III, but Mike Vrabel's defense needs more disruptive edge rushers. All New England edge rushers ranked outside the top 40 in Pro Football Focus' 2025 positional rankings.
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Here's everything you need to know about the New England Patriots for this year's draft, including a round-by-round look at picks and a potential trade candidate already on the roster.
The Patriots' offensive line was exposed in Super Bowl 60 and they have to find better ways of protecting Drake Maye. Iheanachor could be available in Round 2 and would be an intriguing option for the Patriots, both short- and long-term. He played exclusively on the right side in Tempe and could be the eventual starter there from Morgan Moses. He's full of tools worth investing in and could start on the interior at guard as he develops.
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Romeo Doubs is a lock at wide receiver, as should be Kayshon Boutte after another good season in 2026. Hollins would be competing for the third starting spot with DeMario "Pop" Douglas. But Douglas is the younger option and has a higher ceiling than Hollins at this stage in their careers. The Patriots could benefit from flipping Hollins for picks that allow them to work on their trenches in the 2026 draft.
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No. 198 (6.17) from Vikings via Texans, Vikings and 49ers
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New England Patriots 2026 NFL Draft: Picks, team needs, trade candidates