The Patriots made a significant move during the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday night, trading up from pick 31 to 28 to select Caleb Lomu, an offensive tackle from Utah.
Now that New England has strengthened its offensive line, it’s time to shift our focus to other areas it could target. According to Patriots insider Greg Bedard, the next two priorities should be a tight end and a pass rusher.
“I think the next priorities are edge and tight end,” Bedard said Friday on Patriots on CLNS.
Bedard also mentioned a player he believes New England is interested in: Houston tight end Tanner Koziol, who it might target in the third round.
“I know one of the guys that they like, who could end up being the third round pick, or maybe they trade up to get him, would be Tanner Koziol from Houston,” Bedard added.
It will be interesting to see what direction the Patriots take on Friday night, especially since they currently hold the No. 63 pick in Round 2 and the No. 95 pick in Round 3.
More NFL: Patriots Reveal Surprising Detail About Drafting Caleb Lomu