March 26, 2026, 5:11 p.m. ET
Cooper DeJean. Creed Humphrey. Jonathan Taylor.
These are the caliber of players that the second round of the NFL Draft has had to offer over the last 10 years, as well as throughout history. All-Pro honorees.
For the New England Patriots, as well as the rest of the 31 teams in the NFL, much talk has been made over the top prospects forecasted to be selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. However, there’s no telling whether or not the Patriots will take a top-shelf prospect that winds up burgeoning into one of the best players at their position in the NFL with the No. 63 overall pick in the second round of the draft.
According to ESPN’s Field Yates, the Patriots select Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham at No. 63 overall after beginning their day by taking Washington standout Denzel Boston at No. 31 overall.
Barham is a fresh face linked to the Patriots. The Maryland native recorded four sacks and 10 tackles for loss last season.
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The Patriots have room to add a strong edge rusher to their defense in 2026. Barham makes sense for what the team needs. An elite wide receiver is more than welcome next to Romeo Doubs, Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins, following New England’s decision to release their leading receiver, Stefon Diggs, this offseason.
Boston has been linked to the Patriots before this offseason. Once more, New England is projected to add a big target to their wide receiver room with the 6-foot-4 Boston. The 22-year-old went for 881 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025.
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