C+
New England Patriots
Flashes of a plan, unevenly executed. Patriots: C+.
by robbiemaynard448 ·
2026 NFL Draft
· 7 picks
· 1 steals
· 3 reaches
Nobody else had Kaleb Elarms-Orr anywhere near pick No. 131. The Patriots did, by 52 spots, and that gap is the whole story.
If this class has a fault line, it runs straight through edge rusher. Whatever else happened, they won the night they took Hall.
Bottom line, the swing picks will decide whether this ages well.
Pick-by-Pick
In the 31st overall pick they get protection for the quarterback, though they paid up to get him. A clean fit for the roster.
Zachariah Branch at pick 63 is neither steal nor reach, just the going rate. A glaring weakness, addressed head on.
A market-rate tight end, with the board and the slot shaking hands on Sam Roush. It shores up a spot that genuinely needed the help.
Kaleb Proctor in No. 125 is early enough to raise a brow, if not a full objection. It also answers one of the loudest questions on the roster.
They reached a country mile for Kaleb Elarms-Orr at the 131st pick, and the board is aghast. Useful body for a position without much behind the starter.
A straight-up fair deal on Aamil Wagner at pick No. 171, value and slot in agreement. A sensible fit that makes the depth chart a little sturdier.
A slide stopped in the 247th overall pick, with TJ Hall worth more than the price. It adds depth where they could use a little.