B
New England Patriots
Best value of the weekend goes to the Patriots for Iheanachor: B.
by pj_doucette ·
2026 NFL Draft
· 11 picks
· 9 steals
· 0 reaches
The best pick of the weekend was also the simplest. The Patriots watched Max Iheanachor slide 49 picks past his grade and did not hesitate.
For all the activity, interior defensive lineman went untouched, which is hard to explain. Job largely done: edge rusher settled and 6 of 8 of the wish list covered.
Solid rather than spectacular, and there is nothing wrong with that.
Pick-by-Pick
In the 31st overall pick they get a centerfielder for the defense, outstanding value to boot. Exactly the need they had to hit.
They will replay Jermod McCoy at pick No. 63 for years; that is how good the value is. Depth more than a fix, but depth they can use.
Somehow Max Iheanachor was still sitting there in No. 95, and they pounced on premier offensive lineman value. A need, and now a little less of one.
Ja'Kobi Lane in the Round 4 slot should not have been possible, and that is the whole point. The one spot they could not leave alone, and did not.
A reasonable price with a little left over, Jaishawn Barham in Round 4, Pick 31. They walked in needing this and walked out with it.
Malik Benson in pick 171 is the kind of fall that makes a whole class. Top of the wish list, and they did not leave without it.
Drew Allar in the 191st pick is a gift, value that borders on unfair. A real hole, addressed with a reasonable pick.
Cole Payton in slot 198 is fine work, a shade of surplus and no downside. Another box on the needs board, quietly ticked.
Nice patience on Dallen Bentley, who had no business lasting to the 202nd overall pick. It fills a real need, too.
They robbed the room for Ephesians Prysock here, a fall nobody at the table saw coming. A luxury on a unit that was already in good shape.
Good things come to war rooms that wait, and Fa'alili Fa'amoe at slot 247 is the proof. One more legitimate question on the roster, answered.