The 2026 NFL Draft presents an excellent opportunity for the New England Patriots to strengthen their roster.
Currently, the Patriots hold three picks in the first three rounds, with their first selection at No. 31, followed by No. 63 in the second and No. 95 in the third.
Pro Football Focus’ Bradley Locker outlined his ideal draft haul for the Patriots, suggesting they could target Clemson’s defensive end T.J. Parker in the first round, Ohio State tight end Max Klare in the second round, and Florida center Jake Slaughter in the third round.
“The Patriots could certainly boost their edge rusher room via free agency, but adding another competitive option via the draft would also be logical. Parker’s pass-rush productivity (15.5% pass-rush win rate) would be coveted in a unit that was the worst in the league for pass-rush win rate last season,” Locker wrote on Friday.
“New England could look to find another tight end if Austin Hooper exits in free agency, and Klare (85.6 PFF receiving grade in 2024) fits the team’s 12 personnel identity. Staying on offense, center could be a position of upgrade after Garrett Bradbury underperformed. Slaughter could be developed into a future starter.”
The Patriots need to improve on both sides of the line, and bringing in Parker for defense and Slaughter for offense could significantly help New England.
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