Predicting every Patriots starter on defense ahead of the 2026 season

The New England Patriots won multiple playoff games on the back of their defense last season. If not for former Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III's MVP performance, the defense might have won the Patriots a Super Bowl. The goal was simple heading into the offseason: find more help at edge rusher, boost the linebacker depth and add a promising young cornerback.

Depending on how you feel about the Gabe Jacas, Namdi Obiazor and Karon Prunty picks, you might have walked away from the 2026 NFL Draft feeling like the Patriots accomplished their goals. An argument could even be made that the unit looks better on paper than it did last season. Here is an early prediction of the defensive starters for the Patriots ahead of the 2026 season: Defensive tackle Milton Williams Christian Barmore Milton Williams and Christian Barmore are a terrifying combo when both are on their game.

You'd be hard-pressed to find a more talented defensive tackle duo. With that said, the team asks a lot of them without a true No. 1 edge rusher on the roster.

Perhaps that might finally change with the arrival of rookie second-round draft pick Gabe Jacas. Linebacker Robert Spillane Christian Elliss Robert Spillane is a reliable centerpiece for the defense, and Christian Elliss continued to take his game to another level under Mike Vrabel. Elliss is a hard-hitting defender with a relentless motor that coaches love to see.