Robert Spillane reacts to Patriots' lone LB pick in 2026 NFL Draft
Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane views rookie Namdi Obiazor as an "exciting young player."
New England Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane had high praise for rookie linebacker Namdi Obiazor on Tuesday. Speaking in front of the media after the Patriots ’ voluntary offseason program activities on Tuesday, Spillane lauded Obiazor for the physical gifts that he possesses coming into the league. “He’s an exciting young player,” Spillane said.
“I look at his Instagram when he got drafted. Fast, physical, really determined. He’s an exciting young player who I’m really grateful I’ll get to work with.
” Obiazor recorded two sacks and two interceptions in 2025 at TCU. He also forced a fumble on the year. The Minnesota native was the only linebacker that the Patriots selected in the draft this year.
New England prioritized offensive linemen as well as edge rushers in the draft. With Christian Elliss approaching the final year of his two-year, $13. 5 million deal with New England in 2026, Obiazor has the potential to see meaningful time playing next to Spillane in the Patriots’ second line of defense beginning in 2026.