Patriots reportedly hosted two high-end edge rushers for top-30 visits
The Patriots have kept a close eye on the edge rusher position in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The New England Patriots reportedly hosted two top prospects at edge rusher on top-30 visits. According to Boston Herald's Doug Kyed, the Patriots hosted UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence late last month and Illinois' Gabe Jacas this week. One of the biggest areas of need for the Patriots heading into the 2026 NFL Draft is edge rusher, and it would make sense for the team to leave no stone unturned in their efforts to improve at the position.
They signed Dre'Mont Jones in free agency, and they still have the soon-to-be 30-year-old Harold Landry III on their roster. But they are clearly lacking in depth at the position. With 11 draft picks in their arsenal, it makes sense for them to address the issue sooner rather than later.
Sources: UCF EDGE Malachi Lawrence and Illinois EDGE Gabe Jacas each took Top 30 visits with the #Patriots . Jacas was in this week. Lawrence was in Foxboro late last month.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) April 16, 2026 Both Lawrence and Jacas have been mocked as high as first-round draft picks and settled in as likely Day 2 picks. The Patriots should be in a position to select one or both in the draft. Lawrence is a First-Team All-Big 12 defender who racked up seven sacks, 11 tackles for a loss, three passes defended and two forced fumbles during his final year in college.