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Every team is excited about their incoming class of rookies, but how will those new players affect each team in 2026?
Let's look at the New England Patriots, breaking down the most likely instant-impact rookies from their class while also providing some insight into why certain early picks may not see the field.
New England Patriots 2026 Draft Class: Which Rookies Will Make an Impact?
The selection of Caleb Lomu (first round) may not help the Patriots in the short term, but it likely serves two purposes in the long term. The Patriots have last year’s first-round pick Will Campbell and veteran Morgan Moses locked into the starting tackle roles, so there’s no room for Lomu in 2026. However, the 35-year-old Moses is entering his final contract year, and Lomu will likely step into that job in 2027. Lomu, a two-year starter at left tackle at Utah, might also provide insurance behind Campbell at left tackle. Campbell’s short arms were well documented leading up to the draft, and his postseason struggles raised doubts about his ability to stay at left tackle long term. If Campbell doesn’t make strides in his sophomore year, he could slide over to right tackle or guard, with Lomu stepping into his spot on the left side.
Gabe Jacas (second round) filled the Patriots' most glaring immediate need on the edge and will be a factor in the rotation even if he doesn’t win a starting job. Jacas has the tools to be a three-down defender, though he lacks the explosive traits to be a consistent threat as a pass rusher. His 13.3% pressure rate off when lined up on the edge only ranked 17th out of 36 qualified Big Ten edge-rushers.
Eli Raridon (third round) will be expected to serve as Hunter Henry’s backup before likely taking over as the starter in 2027 when Henry hits free agency. The 6-foot-7 Raridon is more polished as a blocker at this stage of his development, but his athletic testing numbers show some potential to continue developing into more of a pass-catching threat.
Karon Prunty (fifth round) was a surprising selection given the Patriots' depth at cornerback and his mediocre production over his six years at Kansas, North Carolina A&T, and Wake Forest. It’s tough to call a player who made 57 collegiate starts a developmental prospect, but Prunty does have impressive length and speed. Dametrious Crownover (sixth round) is a developmental prospect for the offensive line. Crownover will likely be buried on the depth chart as a rookie, but his elite length is intriguing, and he will have a chance to be the team’s swing tackle in 2027. Namdi Obiazor (sixth round) adds some much-needed depth at linebacker. He’s built more like an oversized safety, but has elite range and has been a reliable tackler throughout his career.
Behren Morton (seventh round) will likely be the Patriots' third-string quarterback behind Drake Maye and Tommy DeVito. Morton’s mechanics improved throughout his career at Texas Tech, and his accuracy, which was a liability at first, became steadier late in his career. Based on route-adjusted data, Morton’s on-target rate was 2.4% below expected in 2025, after starting at 7.7% below expected during his first extended action in 2022.
Jam Miller (seventh round) was one of the least productive running backs in the nation last season. When accounting for the direction of the run and defenders in the box, Miller generated 28% fewer yards than expected last year, the worst rate among power-conference ball carriers. However, Miller played through injuries and tested well at the Combine, so New England is likely hoping last year’s disaster was a fluke, and he can build upon the traits that made him the nation’s sixth-ranked running back recruit in 2022.
Quintayvious Hutchins (sixth round) only started 16 games over five years at Boston College, but finally flashed some potential in 2025, generating a strong 16% pressure rate off the edge. He lacks the strength to play on early downs against the run, but should see some special teams action and might get onto the field on passing downs.
This was an underwhelming class for the Patriots in terms of getting immediate help to push the team back to the Super Bowl. The depth added at some key positions will help, but the lack of developmental upside in most of the prospects other than Lomu sets a low ceiling for this class.
This analysis continues in the 2026 Football Preview
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