The New England Patriots entered the 2026 NFL Draft with a clear plan: add talent, fill roster gaps, and build for the future. When the final pick was announced, they had secured nine new players—from first-round offensive tackle Caleb Lomu to seventh-round edge rusher Quintayvious Hutchins. On paper, it looked like a solid haul. But when you crunch the numbers on athleticism, the Patriots' class ranks just 22nd in the league. Here's why that might not matter as much as you think.

Using the Relative Athletic Score (RAS)—a 0-to-10 scale that measures a player's combine and pro day performance against historical data—the Patriots' draft picks averaged an 8.01. That's a respectable score, shaded green on the RAS chart. But compared to the rest of the NFL, it's slightly below the league average of 8.29. Five of their selections—Lomu, edge rusher Gabe Jacas, tight end Eli Raridon, cornerback Karon Prunty, and linebacker Namdi Obiazor—posted scores above that average. The other four fell short.

At first glance, this might raise an eyebrow. In the NFL, faster, stronger, and bigger players typically have an edge. But here's the thing: athletic testing and on-field performance are two different animals. A linebacker might run a blazing 4.5-second 40-yard dash in shorts, but game speed is about instincts, angles, and football IQ—not just stopwatch numbers. RAS is a useful tool for comparing prospects within their position groups and against decades of data, but it's just one piece of the puzzle. It's a snapshot, not the full picture.

Think about it this way: some of the NFL's most impactful players didn't blow up the combine. They were technicians, leaders, and football players first. The Patriots have historically valued versatility, toughness, and scheme fit over pure measurables. This draft class fits that mold. Lomu brings size and power to the offensive line. Jacas is a high-motor edge with a knack for disruption. Raridon is a reliable target who can block and catch. These are players who win with more than just athleticism.

So, while the Patriots' draft class may rank 22nd in average athleticism, it's not a red flag. It's a reminder that the best teams draft players, not numbers. The real test will come when these nine rookies step onto the field—and that's where the game is won.