Patriots' 2026 NFL Draft Strategy Featured Tactic Not Used In 53 Years originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New England Patriots traded up on Thursday night to select Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu with the 28th overall pick during the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
New England then addressed some other roster needs with the selections of edge rusher Gabe Jacas and tight end Eli Raridon on the second day of the draft and took cornerback Karon Prunty in the fifth round on Saturday.
When the Patriots drafted offensive tackle Dametrious Crownover via trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars in the sixth round, they did something that they hadn't done in 53 years.
"For the second year in a row, the Patriots drafted two offensive tackles -- Will Campbell (first round) and Marcus Bryant (seventh) in 2025, and Lomu and Dametrious Crownover (sixth) this year. It marked the first time the Patriots have drafted a pair of offensive tackles in consecutive drafts since 1971-73 when five of the six were selected in the 200s," ESPN's Mike Reiss wrote.
New England concluded its work on Saturday by taking TCU linebacker Namdi Obiazor in the sixth round and Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton, Alabama running back Jam Miller and Boston College edge rusher Quintayvious Hutchins in the seventh round.
"(Offensive tackle) is a premium position in our league," vice president of player personnel Ryan Cowden said, according to Reiss' report. "The pool of players is relatively small, and you can never have enough depth."
More NFL: Patriots NFL Draft Picks 2026: Full List of Selections From Rounds 1-7