The Patriots traded up in the second round to grab Illinois linebacker Gabe Jacas. (Photo courtesy of NE Patriots)

Here’s a capsule look at the nine 2026 New England Patriots draft picks:

CALEB LOMU, OT, UTAH, NO. 28, 6-6, 313

Lomu was part of first round run of tackles that played on the left side his entire college career but the Patriots feel he can play on the right, be a swing tackle, etc. He will need to get stronger, they admit, but very cerebral player.

GABE JACAS, LB-EDGE, ILLINOIS, NO. 55, 6-4, 260

Jacas wowed the Patriots coaches with his high motor and energy, and while he may not have some of the size to deal with big offensive linemen, he may not need it with his speed and agility. A four-year starter with record-setting sack numbers.

Like Lomu, the Patriots traded up in the second round to get him.

ELI RARIDON, TE, NOTRE DAME, NO. 95, 6-6, 245

Raridon really played one complete year in college, this past season. Why? He tore his ACL not once, but twice. He’s bounced back well – 28 games last two years – and could be the combo receiver-blocker the Patriots are looking for.

KARON PRUNTY, CB, WAKE FOREST, NO.171, 6-1, 190

Prunty is a prototypical corner, fast, played for several schools – three years at North Caroline A&T, and at Wake last year he had 40 tackles. He has six career interceptions. Was not invited to the Indy Scouting Combine, but who knows? Will be a reserve at best, a surprise pick.

DAMETROUS CROWNOVER, OT, TEXAS A&M, NO. 196, 6-7, 319

A sixth round pick, and players here are usually practice fodder and Sunday inactives, or even practice squaders. Played right tackle most of his career that included 28 career starts and is older at 24. Said to be good backup material; time will tell how he develops. The Patriots obviously looking to get much younger on the offensive line. He was a standout at the Senior Bowl.

NAMDI OBIAZOR, LB, TCU, NO. 212, 6-3, 229

Perhaps a depth piece. Another 24-year old who is a true linebacker, tons of athleticism but not much on length. Had plenty of kick coverage duty at TCU so expect him to try to make his mark initially on special teams. Had 88 tackles last year, four for loss.

BEHREN MORTON, QB, TEXAS TECH, NO. 234, 6-2, 221

With Tommy Devito as your backup to Drake Maye, the Patriots found their emergency third QB. Threw for 22 TDs and just six INTs this past season (2,780 yards), said to be very smart, with a strong arm, quick release according to the scouting sites, He threw for 3,000 yards-plus two years ago. Says he’ll get Maye his coffee, so he’s on the right track. Is a threat to run as well.

JAM MILLER, RB, ALABAMA, NO. 245, 5-10, 209

Strong lower body, rushed for 504 yards and three TDs last season. Doesn’t have a lot of wear and tear, but seventh round running backs probably don’t end up on the 53-man.

QUINTAYVIOUS HUTCHINS, EDGE, BOSTON COLLEGE, NO. 247, 6-2, 233

The final of three seventh round picks, the final pick for the Patriots in the draft had 16 starts at BC, and 35 tackles with two sacks last season for the Eagles. Said to have good footspeed, he declared that the Patriots are getting “a dominant special teams player.” That’s where he’ll have to make the team.

(Several on-line scouting sites were used in this report, including ESPN, Our Lads, NBC Sports, etc.)