"While the team's early-round aggression to land two targeted players at clear positions of need was great to see, the team ended up making nine total selections, and six of them came beyond pick No. 170 overall."
"The Patriots used their Day 3 picks to shore up roster depth, adding developmental prospects at cornerback, offensive tackle, quarterback, linebacker, and running back."
"New England ranked 22nd in the NFL in kickoff return average following Antonio Gibson's season-ending injury, per Graff, and the team surprisingly passed on addressing that during the major roster-building phase of the offseason."
""Second-year running back TreVeyon Henderson is likely the best option, but if he takes on an increased role on offense, they probably wouldn't want to subject him to more hits as a kick returner," Graff wrote. "That likely leaves second-year receivers Kyle Williams and Efton Chism as the top options. If Chism can win that battle, it would go a long way toward securing his place on the 53-man roster.""
The Patriots’ 2026 draft class brings cautious optimism, with early-round selections targeting clear roster needs. The team made nine total picks, with six selected after pick No. 170, suggesting a focus on developmental prospects. Most rookies, including Caleb Lomu and Gabe Jacas, are expected to work with the second unit during OTAs. Eli Raridon appears positioned to take the No. 2 tight end role. Day 3 selections added depth at cornerback, offensive tackle, quarterback, linebacker, and running back. The team did not draft a wide receiver for the first time since 2020 and did not address kickoff return performance after Antonio Gibson’s injury, leaving the return job likely to TreVeyon Henderson, Kyle Williams, or Efton Chism.
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