A casual Pats fan's guide to the 2026 NFL draft
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Clemson's Blake Miller (left) and Texas A&M's Cashius Howell could both be options for the Patriots in this year's first round. Photos: Stacy Revere and Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images
Coming off a Super Bowl appearance, the Patriots enter this week's NFL Draft seeking upgrades for a roster already built to contend for championships.
Why it matters: The Patriots defied expectations to reach the big game, only to face a drubbing by the champion Seattle Seahawks.
- The Pats won't catch anyone by surprise this season and will face sky-high expectations after last year's success.
State of play: It'll be a long wait Thursday night for the Patriots to make their first pick, which is No. 31 overall.
- After that, though, they'll pick often: The team has 10 selections across the draft's remaining six rounds.
Names to know: New England's biggest needs include edge rusher, offensive tackle and tight end.
- Offensive linemen Blake Miller, of Clemson, and Max Iheanachor, of Arizona State, will be on the Pats' radar with their first-round pick.
- On the edge, Texas A&M's Cashius Howell, Miami's Akheem Mesidor and Missouri's Zion Young all could also be in the mix.
The intrigue: The Patriots also need an upgrade at wide receiver. But their plan for that position is becoming the NFL's worst-kept secret.
- After weeks of rumors, ESPN reported Monday that the Pats are "likely" to acquire Eagles star A.J. Brown — but not for a while.
- Due to the nuances of NFL salary rules, the deal will probably have to wait until June 1 to be completed.
How to watch: The draft starts Thursday at 8pm. Rounds 2 and 3 air at 7pm Friday, with the remaining four rounds airing Saturday, starting at noon.
- There are a ton of places to watch: ESPN, ABC (for Round 1), Disney+, NFL Network and the ESPN App.