Patriots Draft Needs 2026 NFL Draft

Patriots Draft Needs 2026 NFL Draft originally appeared on NESN . Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The New England Patriots pulled off a complete rebuild in the 2025 offseason.

The team drafted seven contributors and five starters with its 11 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Patriots head into this April’s draft with fewer needs and just as many picks. However, head coach Mike Vrabel is still looking to pick up a starter or two at these key positions.

Edge Rusher I am on record saying that edge rusher is the most overrated position in the NFL (production simply does not lead to wins). However, the draft is the perfect place to find your pass rushers before they start demanding quarterback-like contracts. The Patriots' biggest need is on the edge.

If I were a betting man, I would expect this to be addressed with the first round pick. Tight End I believe the Patriots' second-most pressing need comes at the tight end position. Hunter Henry is 31-years-old and entering the third and final year of his contract.