It’s never too early to start prepping for the 2026 NFL Draft, and with the College Football Playoff set to begin Friday with the much-anticipated Alabama vs. Oklahoma first-round game, it’s a good time to get familiar with the top players who could headline the class.
Even though the final 2026 draft order won’t be finalized for another six weeks or so, it’s fair to assume the New England Patriots’ first-round pick will be somewhere in the 20s. With an 11-3 record, the Patriots need one more win to clinch their first playoff berth since 2021.
The Patriots owned a top-five pick in each of the last two drafts, and they haven’t picked in the 20s of the first round since taking guard Cole Strange at No. 29 overall in 2022.
Despite putting together a strong season so far, there are plenty of areas on New England’s roster that could use an upgrade.
Which potential 2026 NFL Draft prospects should Patriots fans keep an eye on during the College Football Playoff? Here’s a list of 10 names.
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Matchup: at Oklahoma on Friday, Dec. 19 at 8 p.m. ET
The Patriots have their left tackle of the present and future with Will Campbell, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. But you can never have enough quality depth at offensive tackle, and Proctor has immense size and strength at 6-foot-7 and 366 pounds. He has allowed only four sacks over the last two seasons.
Could Proctor play right tackle? Maybe, but if he’s available, he’s definitely worth a look because protecting Drake Maye must continue to be a top priority.
Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
Matchup: vs. TBD on Thursday, Jan. 1 at 4 p.m. ET (Rose Bowl)
Sarratt has been a trusted target for Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza and the Big Ten champion Hoosiers. He has caught 51 passes for 687 yards and a team-leading 12 touchdowns, including what ended up being the winning score in the conference title game against Ohio State.
Sarratt is likely a mid-to-late second-round pick, but that could change if he plays a meaningful role in a Hoosiers title run.
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Matchup: vs. James Madison on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Sadiq likely will be the first tight end drafted, and mock drafts have him going anywhere from No. 13 to the low 20s. He could be off the board by the time the Patriots are on the clock, but if he gets close to their pick, it might be worth considering a trade up.
Sadiq has made huge strides as a pass-catcher over the last two years. He has set new career highs with 40 receptions for 490 yards and eight touchdowns for the Ducks this season. Sadiq’s best quality is his blocking, though. He’s a force on the outside paving the way for running backs.
Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M
Matchup: vs. Miami (Fla.) on Saturday, Dec. 20 at noon ET
The Aggies’ strength under head coach Mike Elko has been their defense, and Howell has played a key role in the team’s success on that side of the ball. Howell has tallied a career-high 11.5 sacks, as well as 29 total tackles and six pass deflections in 2025.
He was recently named the SEC’s Defensive Player of the Year:
Matayo Uiagalelei, Edge, Oregon
Matchup: vs. James Madison on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Uiagalelei has the size, length and motor to be a quality pass rusher at the pro level. The offseason signing of edge rusher Harold Landry III has worked out great for the Patriots so far, but adding some talented young players to the mix at this position would be a smart idea. Uiagalelei dominated in Oregon’s win over USC on Nov. 22 with seven tackles, one sack and a forced fumble.
R Mason Thomas, Edge, Oklahoma
Matchup: vs. Alabama on Friday, Dec. 19 at 8 p.m. ET
Thomas is probably a late first-, early second-round pick. He’s an athletic pass rusher who has tallied 6.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in six games this season. Thomas missed the final three games of the regular season after suffering a quad injury against Tennessee on Nov. 1. He has been cleared to play versus Alabama on Friday.
A’Mauri Washington, DL, Oregon
Matchup: vs. James Madison on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Washington, listed at 6-foot-3 and 330 pounds, is strong and athletic, allowing him to wreak havoc in the middle of the line. He’s difficult to block 1-on-1 in passing situations. Washington also has great hands, evidenced by his five pass deflections. He is a very well-rounded defensive lineman who might play his way into being a top 20 pick.
Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State
Matchup: vs. TBD on Wednesday, Dec. 31 at 7:30 p.m. ET (Cotton Bowl)
McDonald is a powerful run-stopping presence in the interior of the defensive line who often commands double teams. He has tallied career highs of 28 solo tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles for the Buckeyes so far this season, earning him first-team All-American honors.
C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia
Matchup: vs. TBD on Thursday, Jan. 1 at 8 p.m. ET (Sugar Bowl)
Allen is a smart, ferocious linebacker who tackles very well and stops the run at a high level. He has posted career highs with 85 total tackles, 3.5 sacks and four pass deflections this season. Georgia has been a factory for developing NFL-caliber front seven players under head coach Kirby Smart, and Allen is the latest example. He might end up being a top 15 pick, and it would be deserved. Allen has star potential.
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Matchup: vs. TBD on Wednesday, Dec. 31 at 7:30 p.m. ET (Cotton Bowl)
Styles was one of three first-team All-Americans on the Buckeyes defense. He’s fantastic against the run, and the Big Ten Championship Game versus Indiana was a great example. He tallied seven run stops in that game and caused all sorts of issues for the Hoosiers offensive line. Styles led the Buckeyes defense with 80 tackles, while also tallying three pass deflections, one interception and one forced fumble.