\u25aa Prior to the draft on Thursday, Patriots coach Mike Vrabel addressed the media in the wake of the New York Post\u2019s publication of more images of him and NFL reporter Dianna Russini. Vrabel said he will miss Saturday\u2019s draft to undergo counseling<\/a>. Read Tara Sullivan\u2019s column on the matter here<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u25aa Who were the winners and losers of Round 1? Christopher Price has a breakdown.<\/a><\/p>\n NFL Draft 2026 live updates<\/p>\n Click here to refresh<\/a> | Go to Globe.com\/Patriots<\/a> | Track every pick here<\/a><\/p>\n Price: Raridon is a blocking tight end \u2014 10:57 p.m.<\/p>\n Eli Raridon was an under-the-radar possibility when stacked against the rest of this tight end class. Known as more of a blocking tight end, the 6-6, 245-pounder was a one-year starter for Notre Dame, and caught 32 passes for 482 yards last season. <\/p>\n In New England, he enters a position room that\u2019s in a state of flux: Hunter Henry is in the last year of his contract, while Julian Hill was added in free agency. It will be interesting to see where he lands on the depth chart, but should get an opportunity to play relatively early on. \u2014 Christopher Price<\/p>\n Patriots select Notre Dame Eli Raridon \u2014 10:55 p.m.<\/p>\n With their final pick of the evening, the Patriots drafted Notre Dame tight end Eli Raridon at No. 95. <\/p>\n Raridon, a 6-foot-6, 245-pounder from Des Moines, Iowa, had 32 receptions for 482 yards. He started all 12 games for the Fighting Irish.<\/p>\n \u201cI love the upside. This is a great third-round pick to me,\u201d said ESPN\u2019s Louis Riddick on the network\u2019s draft show. \u201cIf he can get bigger, stronger, become more consistent, you\u2019ve got a steal here.\u201d<\/p>\n Who to watch for the Patriots at No. 95 \u2014 10:32 p.m.<\/p>\n We\u2019re coming up to pick No. 88. The Patriots are at 95. A few of the more intriguing names on the board:<\/p>\n Safety\/linebacker Kyle LouisOffensive tackle Caleb TiernanOffensive tackle Gennings DunkerWide receiver Skyler BellTight end Justin JolyVikings grab \u2018Big Citrus\u2019 at No. 82 \u2014 10:18 p.m.<\/p>\n Defensive tackle Domonique Orange is a great acquisition for Brian Flores and the Vikings. <\/p>\n First, the nickname. \u201cBig Citrus\u201d is the best one in the draft. Orange is a sizable (6-4, 330 pounds) defensive tackle out of Iowa State who is nimble. He\u2019s a two-down defensive tackle \u2014 more of a nose tackle than anything \u2014 who doesn\u2019t offer much when it comes to pass rush. But he\u2019s got the sort of physical tools that make him a potentially disruptive presence against the run. <\/p>\n Bruce Feldman put him on his Freak list: \u201cHe benched 450, squatted 650 and cleaned 365 this offseason, but the most impressive thing is his vertical jump of 34 inches at his size.\u201d \u2014 Christopher Price<\/p>\n What Gabe Jacas said after getting drafted by the Patriots \u2014 10:10 p.m.<\/p>\n Highlights of his press conference … <\/p>\n On his contact with the Patriots ahead of the draft: \u201cI had a 30 visit with them, I\u2019d say like two weeks ago or a week ago, I forgot. It was my last visit of the month. Just fell in love with the coaching staff, especially coach Mike Smith, outside linebacker coach there. And just his philosophy and his mindset on just the position, I just loved it, and I knew this team, if they were to get me, was going to be the right fit for me. So, I\u2019m just blessed that they gave me a chance, and they came and got me when they did.\u201d<\/p>\n On what Patriots fans can expect from him: \u201cJust playing with a relentless motor. Very disruptive, very violent. Someone that\u2019s very dependable, someone that\u2019s going to bring the energy and the juice to the team. And someone that\u2019s just all around, just an all-out motor player and someone that they can just look forward to see playing. That\u2019s the player they can expect.\u201d<\/p>\n On how wrestling helped him become a better football player: \u201cBeing low, having leverage, using your hands, fighting, those all keyed into football. You know, wrestling has a lot of trade over into football, especially with hand fighting. Especially at this position on the edge, you got to use your hands effectively, and that\u2019s one thing that I carried over the most with is being able to use my hands efficiently and effectively. So, everyone knows me as a football player, but wrestling had a big part in that as well.\u201d<\/p>\n On what he\u2019s like off the field: \u201cI\u2019m an easygoing guy. Easy to get along with. I\u2019m a people person. I can get along with anybody. I\u2019m very energetic. I\u2019m very goofy. Someone they could just, if they see, they can talk to. Friendly. Just a good person to be around. Just excited to bring that to Foxborough.\u201d<\/p>\n On getting the call from the Patriots: \u201cI felt like a lot of weight was on my shoulder and just got released. It\u2019s like a breath of fresh air. It\u2019s a real moment. I dreamed of this ever since I was a little kid, and the fact that I got that call, it\u2019s just like, I finally got that call. Everything I worked up to this point, it\u2019s like it paid off and it doesn\u2019t stop here. I\u2019ve got to keep going. I can\u2019t get complacent. I\u2019m just excited to just get started. I can\u2019t say that enough.\u201d<\/p>\n QB Drew Allar drafted by Steelers \u2014 10:03 p.m.<\/p>\n Does Pittsburgh have its quarterback of the future? Penn State quarterback Drew Allar went No. 76 to the Steelers. <\/p>\n Allar becomes the 19th Penn State player selected by Pittsburgh, and may be some insurance as the team waits on Aaron Rodgers to make a decision. <\/p>\n With his final season in State College getting cut short due to an ankle injury, Allar threw for just 1,100 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions. Could first-year Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy develop Allar into the team\u2019s next starter? \u2014 Cam Kerry<\/p>\n Could we see New England take a tight end? \u2014 9:58 p.m.<\/p>\n There\u2019s still some good-but-not-great tight ends still on the board. Mike Vrabel said on multiple occasions that he really liked the tight end depth in this class. Patriots are still a ways off, but something to keep an eye on moving forward. \u2014 Christopher Price<\/p>\n Giants trade up \u2014 9:52 p.m.<\/p>\n The Giants traded up to get a weapon for Jaxson Dart, selecting Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields at No. 74. New York dealt Nos. 105, 145, and a 2027 fourth-rounder to the Browns to get into the third round. Fields turned 36 receptions into 630 yards and five touchdowns for the Fighting Irish. \u2014 Cam Kerry<\/p>\n Had someone who I really respect compare him to N\u2019Keal Harry. Yikes. \u2014 Christopher Price<\/p>\n This player would be a Belichick favorite \u2014 9:50 p.m.<\/p>\n Tight end Oscar Delp out of Georgia goes to the Saints at No. 73.<\/p>\n The 6-5, 245-pounder has a resume that suggests he\u2019d be a Bill Belichick favorite: his father Chris played college lacrosse at Rutgers, and Delp initially believed he\u2019d play lacrosse instead of football. But he also carved out a niche as a dependable pass catcher, finishing his college career with 70 catches for 854 yards and nine touchdowns. \u2014 Christopher Price<\/p>\n Grading the Patriots\u2019 second-round pick \u2014 9:40 p.m.<\/p>\n Christopher Price: A-<\/p>\n Jacas<\/a> is relentless rusher with heavy hands and plays with an edge. The 6-4, 260-pounder said he molds his game after Matthew Judon. For a team that lost edge guys like K\u2019Lavon Chaisson and Anfernee Jennings, that\u2019s an excellent starting point. Jacas is a long, rangy end-of-the-line defender who finished last year at Illinois with 11 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss. While he\u2019ll likely start as a rotation along New England\u2019s defensive front behind veterans Dre\u2019Mont Jones and Harold Landry, Jacas has the chance to make a major impact early in his career.<\/p>\n Carson Beck is the first QB off the board \u2014 9:30 p.m.<\/p>\n Just after we were reminded no quarterbacks have been chosen, the Cardinals drafted Miami\u2019s Carson Beck with the first pick of the third round. <\/p>\n After four seasons at Georgia, including two as the starter, Beck transferred to Miami and led the Hurricanes to the national championship game. He threw for 3,813 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions last season. He will compete with veterans Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew for the starting job. \u2014 Cam Kerry<\/p>\n Jacas: \u2018I\u2019m ready to get there and learn\u2019 \u2014 9:25 p.m.<\/p>\n By Nicole Yang<\/p>\n After swinging a trade on Day 1 of the NFL draft<\/a>, the Patriots again packaged picks Friday night to move up the board and get their guy: Illinois edge rusher Gabe Jacas at 55th overall. <\/p>\n The Patriots sent the 63rd, 131st, and 202nd overall pick to the Chargers in order to take Jacas in the second round. They no longer have a pick in the fourth round following their two trades. <\/p>\n Jacas (6-4, 261) led the Big Ten in sacks (11) and forced three fumbles in 12 games as a senior last season. Over his four-year tenure as a starter, Jacas established a reputation for his intensity and physicality. He plays with a level of violence that the Patriots also tout. His wrestling background, as a two-time Florida state champion, is apparent through his play style. <\/p>\n During his visit with the Patriots at Gillette Stadium, Jacas said he immediately connected with outside linebackers coach Mike Smith and fell in love with his approach to the position. <\/p>\n \u201cI knew that if this team were to get me, it was going to be the right fit for me,\u201d Jacas said Friday night. \u201cI\u2019m just blessed they gave me a chance and came and got me when they did.\u201d <\/p>\n Asked to describe his game, Jacas called himself \u201csomeone that\u2019s going to bring the energy and the juice,\u201d \u201csomeone that\u2019s very dependable,\u201d and \u201csomeone that\u2019s an all-out motor player.\u201d <\/p>\n Jacas immediately fills a short- and long-term need for the Patriots, after their pass rush significantly declined by the end of last season. K\u2019Lavon Chaisson, signed to be a situational player, ended up earning a starting role and posting career numbers, but 29-year-old Harold Landry seemed incredibly limited by a lingering knee injury. Even though undrafted rookie Elijah Ponder contributed in spots, the Patriots lacked depth at the position. <\/p>\n The Patriots let Chaisson walk during free agency, opting to sign Dre\u2019Mont Jones. Jacas could compete for a Week 1 starting role, especially if Landry does not return to form. Ponder and 2025 fifth-round pick Bradyn Swinson could also be in the rotation. <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m ready to get there and learn the scheme,\u201d Jacas said. <\/p>\n No QBs taken in Round 2 \u2014 9:21 p.m.<\/p>\n Twenty-two players who line up on the defensive side of the ball heard their name called in the second round. No quarterbacks were taken, which says volumes about how this class is viewed.<\/p>\n Will Garrett Nussmeier, Carson Beck, Drew Allar, or another gunslinger get picked before the Friday festivities end? <\/p>\n Ohio State leads all schools with seven players drafted so far. DT Kayden McDonald (Texans), TE Max Klare (Rams), and CB Davison Igbinosun (Bills) were the three Buckeyes to get picked in Round 2. \u2014 Cam Kerry<\/p>\n Round 2 is wrapping up \u2014 9:15 p.m.<\/p>\n Bud Clark, a safety out of TCU, goes to Seattle at No. 64.<\/p>\n He\u2019s a 6-1, 188-pounder who really ascended the last two years for the Horned Frogs. A three-year captain who is a safety in a cornerback\u2019s body, Clark started 23 games the last two years, and has seven interceptions and 10 PBUs in that time. A good physical defensive back with excellent ball skills. \u2014 Christopher Price<\/p>\n Browns trade up \u2014 8:58 p.m.<\/p>\n The Browns and the 49ers agreed to a deal, with Cleveland receiving pick Nos. 58 and 152 for 70 and 107. The Browns took Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, a safety from Toledo, after moving back into the second round. \u2014 Cam Kerry<\/p>\n McNeil-Warren is a good get for Cleveland midway through the second. Since the emergence of Nick Emmanwori, every team wants an oversized safety, and McNeil-Warren is likely the next guy in that process. At 6-3 and 201 pounds, he has the size of a linebacker, but his combine performance showcased some excellent speed. He can play in the box and offer run support, and work against tight ends and backs in the passing game. \u2014 Christopher Price<\/p>\n The scouting report on Gabe Jacas \u2014 8:55 p.m.<\/p>\n From Field Level Media:<\/p>\n Height: 6 feet 4 inches. Weight: 261<\/p>\n About Jacas: Jacas was a defensive end and wrestler at Fort Pierce Central High School in Florida. After committing to Illinois as a three-star prospect, he became a quick starter at outside linebacker, even becoming a freshman All-American his first season. He was a mainstay on Big Ten all-conference teams during his college career.<\/p>\n Strengths: Incredibly energetic player. … Plays to the whistle at every opportunity and is an aggressive hand fighter. … Big-time motor guy for teams that value staying hot. … Technically polished and is a high-pressure player. … Usually able to at least force the quarterback to move around and throw off platform during his pass-rush opportunities. … Able to work through traffic as a run defender and strike the ball carrier. … Has a really good strength profile with an effective, stiff punch that helps move offensive linemen back with good initial shock. <\/p>\n Weaknesses: Gets fooled on play action and option plays almost every single time. … Balance is rocky, tough strikes to the chest can really shift his equilibrium. … Not a strong mover, not a particularly quick player or a consistent lateral mover. … If you need him to loop or stunt, more often than not, Jacas is going to fall behind in the play and not provide the extra pressure you need. … Has issues converting pressures into sacks. … Doesn\u2019t wrap up cleanly and lets the quarterback escape more than necessary. … Not effective clogging the middle as a run stopper and lacks good gap discipline. … Can\u2019t drop into coverage with his limited athleticism which may signal full-time edge play.<\/p>\n READ MORE<\/a><\/p>\n Eagles trade for LB Jonathan Greenard \u2014 8:50 p.m.<\/p>\n by Cam Kerry<\/p>\n The Vikings traded Jonathan Greenard to the Eagles for Philadelphia\u2019s third-round pick on Friday night and next year.<\/p>\n The deal is the latest example of Eagles GM Howie Roseman\u2019s aggressive approach to acquiring talent. Greenard played in 12 games last season, notching 38 tackles and three sacks. Through four seasons with Houston and another two with Minnesota, Greenard has recorded 217 career tackles and 38 sacks. Greenard and the Eagles have already agreed to a four-year, $98 million contract, per ESPN\u2019s Adam Schefter.<\/p>\n Price: A lot of Matthew Judon in Jacas \u2014 8:42 p.m.<\/p>\n Linebacker Gabe Jacas has a lot of Matthew Judon in his game, and that\u2019s a good thing. He\u2019s a long, rangy end of the line defender who finished last year with 11 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss. The 6-4, 260-pounder started 25 games the last two seasons, and was second-team All-Big Ten last year. He\u2019s likely a situational, pass-rush specialist at this stage of his career, but with potential to grow into something much more as he develops. For a team that needs pass rush help, this is a bullseye of a pick. \u2014 Christopher Price<\/p>\n Patriots select Gabe Jacas at No. 55 \u2014 8:40 p.m.<\/p>\n For the second consecutive night, the Patriots didn\u2019t wait for a player to fall. <\/p>\n This time, New England traded up for Gabe Jacas at No. 55. New England sent Nos. 63, 131, and 202 to the Chargers. <\/p>\n Jacas, who picked up a second-team All-Big Ten nod last season, led Illinois with 13.5 tackles for loss. He proved that he could get after opposing quarterbacks, placing seventh in the FBS with 11 sacks. \u2014 Cam Kerry<\/p>\n Eli Sowers goes at No. 54 \u2014 8:36 p.m.<\/p>\n Athletic tight end Eli Sowers goes to the Eagles at 54. At 6-4 and 239 pounds, the former Texas A&M quarterback had 62 catches for 769 yards and four touchdowns last year with Vanderbilt on the way to winning the John Mackey Award for the nation\u2019s top tight end. \u2014 Christopher Price<\/p>\n Patriots trade up to No. 55 \u2013 8:34 p.m.<\/p>\n They\u2019re about to make their first pick of the night.<\/p>\n Colts take CJ Allen at No. 53 \u2014 8:33 p.m.<\/p>\n Steady, steady, steady. <\/p>\n CJ Allen goes to the Colts midway through the second round. Allen is a guy who is not necessarily going to end up as a Pro Bowler, but the 6-1, 230-pounder has already distinguished himself with his versatility, durability, and smarts. He recorded 25 starts in the last two seasons at Georgia and was a first-team All-American last year, leading the team with 88 tackles and 3.5 sacks. <\/p>\n Mark it down: He\u2019s the sort of guy who will be a team captain and wearing the green dot on the back of his helmet within the next two years. \u2014 Christopher Price<\/p>\n We\u2019re at No. 50 \u2014 8:21 p.m.<\/p>\n By Christopher Price<\/p>\n The Patriots are at 63. A few of the more intriguing names on the board.<\/p>\n Linebacker CJ AllenSafety\/linebacker Kyle LouisSafety Emmanuel McNeil-WarrenDefensive tackle Domonique OrangeTight end Eli SowersTight end Oscar DelpOffensive tackle Caleb TiernanPanthers trade up \u2014 8:20 p.m.<\/p>\n Carolina received Nos. 49 and 159 from Minnesota in exchange for Nos. 51 and 196. With the 49th selection, the Panthers selected Texas Tech DT Lee Hunter.<\/p>\n Brothers reunite with Falcons \u2014 8:12 p.m.<\/p>\n NFL Draft coverage highlights so many special moments for players who are realizing dreams. <\/p>\n For the Terrell family, this year is extra special. Cornerback Avieon Terrell was drafted No. 48 by the Falcons on Friday, and will play with his brother, A.J.<\/p>\n A.J. was a first round pick by Atlanta in 2020 and made 68 tackles last season. <\/p>\n ESPN cameras showed the visibly emotional Terrell brothers celebrating at Avieon\u2019s draft party. \u2014 Cam Kerry<\/p>\n Steelers trade up for Alabama receiver \u2014 8:07 p.m.<\/p>\n Another trade: The Terrible Towels come to life in the crowd after the Steelers acquire the No. 47 selection from the Colts. Indianapolis receives Nos. 53, 135, and 237 in return.<\/p>\n With No. 47, Pittsburgh takes Alabama WR Germie Bernard.<\/p>\n Cowboys trade for 49ers LB Dee Winters \u2014 8:02 p.m.<\/p>\n The Cowboys continue to shore up their defense, acquiring Dee Winters in a trade with the 49ers. San Francisco will receive Dallas\u2019s fifth-round pick. <\/p>\n Winters made 101 tackles last season to lead San Francisco last season. <\/p>\n Dallas selected Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and UFC defensive end Malachi Lawrence in the first round of the draft on Thursday.<\/p>\n Zion Young goes to Baltimore at No. 45 \u2014 7:59 p.m.<\/p>\n Baltimore gets some edge help in the middle of the second round with defensive end\/edge Zion Young at No. 45. <\/p>\n He absolutely looks the part of a classic edge defender. Terrific length and bend, impressive burst, and high motor, this 6-foot-5-inch, 262-pounder had 42 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and two forced fumbles for the Tigers. He can get after the passer, and is stout against the run. This is a really good, safe pick for the Ravens. \u2014 Christopher Price<\/p>\n Dolphins take LB Rodriguez at No. 43 \u2014 7:51 p.m.<\/p>\n A high-motor overachiever with a nose for the football, Jacob Rodriguez was one of my favorite pre-draft prospects. (He intercepted four passes this season and forced seven fumbles.) A 6-1, 233-pounder, he was initially recruited as a quarterback at Virginia before transferring to Texas Tech. He won the Butkus Award and placed fifth in Heisman trophy voting this season.<\/p>\n He has a tendency to get overmatched when it comes to the run game against guards, but as a Day 2 guy, it\u2019s certainly feasible to see him as a coverage linebacker\/special teamer to start his career and go from there.<\/p>\n Another trade \u2014 7:50 p.m.<\/p>\n The Lions vaulted up six spots, acquiring the No. 44 pick from the Jets for Nos. 50 and 128.<\/p>\n The Patriots are about 20 picks away \u2014 7:46 p.m.<\/p>\n The Patriots are at 63. A few of the more intriguing names still on the board.<\/p>\n DE\/ED Zion YoungLB CJ AllenS\/LB Kyle LouisS Emmanuel McNeil-WarrenLB Jacob RodriguezDT Domonique OrangeTE Eli SowersTE Oscar DelpOT Caleb TiernanBengals go for a pass rusher \u2014 7:45 p.m.<\/p>\n The Bengals get their pass rusher at No. 41! <\/p>\n Edge Cashius Howell had 11\u00bd sacks last year with Texas A&M, and his 6-2, 253-pound frame an explosive burst makes him an ideal fit as someone charged with getting after the quarterback. Howell will likely be tasked with replacing Trey Hedrickson\u2019s production. \u2014 Christopher Price<\/p>\n Chiefs grab R Mason Thomas at No. 40 \u2014 7:43 p.m.<\/p>\n The Chiefs, who nabbed Mansoor Delane by trading up three spots last night, continued to fortify the defensive side of the ball by selecting R Mason Thomas at No. 40, who is a defensive end out of Oklahoma. The 6-foot-5 edge rusher recorded 6.5 sacks last season for the Sooners. \u2014 Cam Kerry<\/p>\n I can\u2019t believe KC hasn\u2019t gone offense. \u2014 Christopher Price<\/p>\n Denzel Boston hears his name called \u2014 7:38 p.m.<\/p>\n Wide receiver Denzel Boston goes 39th to the Browns. The 6-4, 212-pounder led Washington with 62 catches for 881 yards, distinguishing himself as a big-body target who can overwhelm defenders. He has a knack for winning on contested catches, and the fact that he has 20 receiving touchdowns combined is a testament in large part to his red-zone prowess. \u2014 Christopher Price<\/p>\n Stukes goes to Raiders at No. 38 \u2014 7:34 p.m.<\/p>\n The Raiders use the No. 38 pick on Treydan Stukes, their second selection of the draft after Fernando Mendoza at No. 1. Stukes, a safety from Arizona, will be in the middle of the Las Vegas defense. He was a third-team All-American and first-team All-Big 12 selection. \u2014 Cam Kerry<\/p>\n Hood goes to Giants at No. 37 \u2014 7:30 p.m.<\/p>\n The Giants, who nabbed a pair of picks inside the top 10 last night, add to an impressive haul with cornerback Colton Hood at No. 37. \u2014 Cam Kerry<\/p>\n Hood goes to the Giants near the top of the second round. A corner who plays like a safety, Hood can bully pass catchers, but occasionally gets beaten deep by speed guys. However, those missteps are few and far between for the Tennessee alum, who had a 50 tackles, pick-six, four PBUs, five tackles for loss, and a forced fumble last season. The 6-foot, 193-pounder was a one-year starter for the Vols, which suggests he still has yet to reach his ceiling, but he remains one of the top corners in this year\u2019s draft. \u2014 Christopher Price<\/p>\n Texans trade up to grab massive OSU DT \u2014 7:24 p.m.<\/p>\n The Texans slide up two spots, sending the Raiders No. 38 and 91 for Nos. 36 and 117. At No. 36, Houston adds to a stout defense with Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald. In the middle of Matt Patricia\u2019s defense, McDonald was a first-team All-American. \u2014 Cam Kerry<\/p>\n McDonald, who is headed for the Texans, is a massive guy (6-2, 326 pounds) who could shore up any defensive front in the league. A space-eating run defender, he started 14 games last season for the Buckeyes and had 65 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and three sacks. He will almost certainly start his career as a two-down defender, but given his development, the first-team All-American could eventually be an every-down presence. Houston\u2019s defensive front gets another very impressive piece. <\/p>\n The Texans are already among the winners. McDonald will be a terrifying add to that defensive front. Yikes. \u2014 Christopher Price<\/p>\n Bills take edge rusher \u2014 7:20 p.m.<\/p>\n The Bills went to the podium for the first time after trading down three times and grabbed T.J. Parker, an edge rusher from Clemson. Head coach Joe Brady, promoted from offensive coordinator after Sean McDermott was fired, adds the honorable mention All-ACC selection to his defensive front. \u2014 Cam Kerry<\/p>\n This 6-4, 263-pounder is in the second tier of edge guys\/pass rushers when you\u2019re talking about this draft class. But his 2024 was impressive, with 19.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks in 14 starts. \u2014 Christopher Price<\/p>\n Arizona beefs up OL with Chase Bisontis \u2014 7:16 p.m.<\/p>\n The Cardinals turned heads with the selection of Jeremiyah Love at No. 3 on Thursday. With the No. 34 pick, Arizona beefed up the offensive line with Chase Bisontis, a guard from Texas A&M. \u2014 Cam Kerry<\/p>\n The Cards make the smart move and get a blocker for all those skill position players. He does have some positional versatility, having started his college career at right tackle before moving to left guard. Penalties have been an issue for him over the course of his college career, including 16 penalties his last two seasons. \u2014 Christopher Price<\/p>\n 49ers kick off Night 2 with a receiver \u2014 7:12 p.m.<\/p>\n After trading out of the first round, the 49ers kicked off Day 2 by selecting DeZhaun Stribling. Amid reported trade offers, San Francisco opted to keep the pick and add the former Ole Miss receiver, who had 811 yards and six touchdowns last season.<\/p>\n The second round is underway \u2014 7:00 p.m.<\/p>\n We\u2019re back at it.<\/p>\n Twenty minutes until Round 2 begins \u2014 6:40 p.m.<\/p>\n By Christopher Price<\/p>\n The Patriots have two picks tonight.<\/p>\n Round 2 (No. 63)Round 3 (No. 95)<\/p>\n A few of the more intriguing names on the board:<\/p>\n Edge Cashius HowellDefensive end\/edge Zion YoungDefensive lineman Kayden McDonaldLinebacker CJ AllenSafety\/linebacker Kyle LouisSafety Emmanuel McNeil-WarrenLinebacker Jacob RodriguezDefensive tackle Domonique OrangeTight end Eli SowersTight end Oscar DelpOffensive tackle Caleb TiernanWide receiver Denzel BostonWill any QBs be drafted on Night 2? \u2014 6:30 p.m.<\/p>\n By Cam Kerry<\/p>\n Two quarterbacks heard their names called in the first round. One was expected. the other? Not so much. Fernando Mendoza went first overall to the Raiders before the Rams surprised the NFL world, selecting Alabama\u2019s Ty Simpson. Much has been made of Sean McVay\u2019s reaction (or lack thereof) to the pick.<\/p>\n In what many draft experts consider to be a weaker quarterback class, how much demand will there be for the likes of LSU\u2019s Garrett Nussmeier, Miami\u2019s Carson Beck, and Penn State\u2019s Drew Allar? Will a team in need of a signal-caller take a swing?<\/p>\n Four names we will probably hear called tonight \u2014 6:00 p.m.<\/p>\n By Cam Kerry<\/p>\n In addition to the dozen prospects Christopher Price outlined in his draft-board reset<\/a>, here are four names to watch for on Friday night.<\/p>\n Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee<\/p>\n McCoy\u2019s case is a peculiar one \u2014 he tore his ACL in January 2025 and missed the entire season. He was a ballhawk in 2024, recording 13 pass breakups and tied for the team-lead with four interceptions. ESPN\u2019s Matt Miller pro comp is one that Patriots fans will love: Christian Gonzalez.<\/p>\n Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson<\/p>\n The younger brother of Falcons cornerback and former first-round pick AJ Terrell, Avieon can play man, zone, and press coverage well. A well-rounded prospect, he can defend the run and gets downhill quickly. He was a third-team All-American. Terrell also forced five fumbles, good for third-most in FBS.<\/p>\n Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M<\/p>\n A two-year starter for the Aggies, the 6-foot-5, 315 pound mauler was a third-team All-SEC selection. He\u2019s got a strong base, but can get to the second level and establish position. He stands out among the interior offensive lineman remaining on the board.<\/p>\n Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas<\/p>\n Turn on a Longhorns game and you\u2019ll find Hill\u2019s fingerprints all over the defensive side of the ball. Over the course of three seasons, Hill racked up 250 tackles. He ran a blazing 4.51 in the 40-yard dash at the combine, showcasing the speed that allows him to find the ball quickly.<\/p>\n By Kevin Dillon<\/p>\n Berj Najarian, who was Bill Belichick\u2019s right-hand man with the Patriots for 24 years before spending nearly two years as chief of staff for the Boston College football program, is joining Michigan as the football program\u2019s new assistant general manager\/strategy, according to a report from ESPN<\/a>.<\/p>\n Najarian will join former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, who was hired as the Wolverines\u2019 new head coach on Dec. 26 in place of fired coach Sherrone Moore<\/a>. ESPN reports Najarian\u2019s role will be to help with contracts, negotiations, and strategy for the new college sports landscape.<\/p>\n Najarian came with Belichick from New York when Belichick was named the Patriots\u2019 head coach in 2000, and took over the position of director of football\/head coach administration. His role, which included managing day-to-day logistics for Belichick, had him handling a wide variety of things off the field.<\/p>\n \u201cWe could probably talk about that for a week,\u2019\u2019 Belichick told the Globe in 2019<\/a>. \u201cHe does a lot. There\u2019s football, non-football. Scheduling. Just a lot of things I need to be aware of and logistical things that need to be taken care of. Some things we talk about and some things he just knows what he needs to do.\u201d<\/p>\n After Belichick\u2019s departure in January 2024, Najarian joined former Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O\u2019Brien at Boston College<\/a>, where he worked as chief of staff for nearly two years before departing in December 2025.<\/p>\n Eight teams have yet to make a pick \u2014 5:15 p.m.<\/p>\n By the Associated Press<\/p>\n Eight teams are still waiting to make their first selection of the NFL draft after a chaotic opening round that featured a flurry of trades.<\/p>\n Just 16 of the 32 first-round picks chosen Thursday night were made by the original teams that owned them.<\/p>\n The 49ers and Bills traded out of the first round, joining the Falcons, Bengals, Packers, Broncos, Jaguars and Colts on the sideline. That\u2019s the second-most teams sitting out Round 1 since 1970. Ten teams didn\u2019t pick in the first round in 2022.<\/p>\n San Francisco is slated to kick off the second round with the first pick after making two deals to move down from 27 to 30 to 33. Buffalo made three trades, going from 26 to 28 to 31 to 35.<\/p>\n Atlanta, Cincinnati, Green Bay, Denver, Jacksonville, and Indianapolis previously traded their firsts.<\/p>\n Five things to know about Caleb Lomu \u2014 5:00 p.m. By Khari Thompson, Boston.com Staff<\/p>\n The Patriots traded up to select Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu<\/a> Thursday night in the first round of the NFL Draft, investing in a developmental player who could help protect quarterback Drake Maye down the road.<\/p>\n Lomu was one of two offensive tackles from Utah taken in the first round, along with Spencer Fano, who went No. 9 to the Browns.<\/p>\n It\u2019s the second year in a row the Patriots have taken an offensive tackle in the first round, after selecting Will Campbell last year.<\/p>\n Lomu is a long, athletic tackle whom the Patriots praised for his versatility. But he may be in for a position switch.<\/p>\n Lomu started all 12 games at left tackle last season and didn\u2019t allow a sack. Utah stuck with him on the left side, and Fano on the right side.<\/p>\n Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf said Thursday night that Campbell will remain at left tackle. Campbell struggled in the postseason after recovering from an MCL sprain and there had been speculation that he might one day move to guard<\/a> because of his arm length. So far, Wolf and coach Mike Vrabel have said Campbell will stay at left tackle.<\/p>\n On the right side, the Patriots have Morgan Moses, who started all 17 regular-season games last year and is now 35 years old.<\/p>\n Wolf said he doesn\u2019t expect either side to be a problem for Lomu.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s still 21 years old, played mostly on the left side,\u201d Wolf said. \u201cBut we feel like he has the athletic ability and talent to \u2014 obviously has to come in and earn a role somewhere, but he has the athletic ability, talent, strength, and upside to kind of play anywhere on the line. And again, we\u2019re just really thrilled. Big athletes like this are hard to come by, especially later in the first round like this.\u201d<\/p>\n READ MORE<\/a><\/p>\n Who might the Patriots pick on Day 2? \u2014 4:30 p.m.<\/p>\n By Christopher Price<\/p>\n The Patriots enter Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft with a pair of picks and some areas of need worth addressing sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n New England will make its first pick at the end of the second round (63rd), and the end of the third round as well (95th).<\/p>\n \u201cObviously, we don\u2019t have an early Round 2 pick, so it\u2019s going to be a lot like [Thursday] where we\u2019re going to have to watch a lot of names come off that board before we can make something happen,\u201d executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf said on Thursday night.<\/p>\n Here are a dozen Day 2 prospects who could match nicely with some of the Patriots\u2019 immediate areas of need.<\/p>\n Howell had 11\u00bd sacks last year with Texas A&M, and his 6-2, 253-pound frame and explosive burst makes him an ideal fit as someone charged with getting after the quarterback. Howell, who met with the Patriots at the NFL Combine, has an idea of what Patriots coach Mike Vrabel is looking for.<\/p>\n \u201cI definitely know [Vrabel is] a very good coach, a very intentional coach,\u201d Howell said. \u201cHe knows what he wants. I\u2019d be blessed to be able to be drafted by them.\u201d<\/p>\n Defensive end\/edge Zion Young<\/p>\n He absolutely looks the part of a classic edge defender. Terrific length and bend, impressive burst, and high motor, this 6-foot-5-inch, 262-pounder had 42 tackles, 16\u00bd tackles for loss, 6\u00bd sacks and two forced fumbles for the Tigers. He can get after the passer, and is stout against the run.<\/p>\n Defensive lineman Kayden McDonald<\/p>\n Stop me if you\u2019ve heard this before: another stud defender from Ohio State.<\/p>\n McDonald is a massive guy (6-2, 326 pounds) who could shore up any defensive front in the league. A space-eating run defender, he started 14 games last season for the Buckeyes and had 65 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and three sacks. He will almost certainly start his career as a two-down defender, but given his development, the first-team All-American could eventually be an every-down presence.<\/p>\n Steady, steady, steady. Allen is a guy who is not necessarily going to end up as a Pro Bowler, but the 6-1, 230-pounder has already distinguished himself with his versatility, durability, and smarts. Allen was a first-team All-American this past year with Georgia, starting 25 games over the last two seasons and leading the team with 88 tackles and 3\u00bd sacks.<\/p>\n Mark it down: He\u2019s the sort of guy who will be a team captain and wearing the green dot on the back of his helmet within the next two years.<\/p>\n Safety\/linebacker Kyle Louis<\/p>\n A terrifically versatile player who does a little of everything \u2014 he had six interceptions and 10 sacks the last two seasons \u2014 the 5-foot-11, 224-pounder is an under-the-radar stud. He gets a little overwhelmed inside against the run, but he\u2019s basically an oversized safety who has good speed and can run with receivers in coverage.<\/p>\n Safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren<\/p>\n Since the emergence of Nick Emmanwori, every team wants an oversized safety, and McNeil-Warren is likely the next guy in that process. At 6-3 and 201 pounds, he has the size of a linebacker, but showcased som excellent speed at the combine his combine. He can play in the box and offer run support, and work against tight ends and backs in the passing game.<\/p>\n Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez<\/p>\n A high-motor overachiever with a nose for the football, Rodriguez was one of my favorite pre-draft prospects. (He intercepted four passes this season and forced seven fumbles.) A 6-1, 233-pounder, he was initially recruited as a quarterback at Virginia before transferring to Texas Tech. He won the Butkus Award and placed fifth in Heisman trophy voting this season.<\/p>\n Rodriguez has a tendency to get overmatched when it comes to the run game against guards, but as a Day 2 guy, it\u2019s certainly feasible to see him as a coverage linebacker\/special teamer to start his career and go from there. The Patriots struggled against tight ends in 2025 and need a coverage linebacker in the worst way. This is the sort of player who could fill the bill.<\/p>\n Defensive tackle Domonique Orange<\/p>\n First: \u201cBig Citrus\u201d is the best nickname in the draft. A sizable (6-4, 330 pounds) defensive tackle out of Iowa State who is nimble, Orange is a great Day 2 possibility. He\u2019s a two-down defensive tackle \u2014 more of a nose tackle than anything \u2014 who doesn\u2019t offer much when it comes to pass rush. But he\u2019s got the sort of physical tools that make him a potentially disruptive presence against the run. Bruce Feldman put him on his Freak list: \u201cHe benched 450, squatted 650 and cleaned 365 this offseason, but the most impressive thing is his vertical jump of 34 inches at his size.\u201d<\/p>\n At 6-4 and 239 pounds, the former Texas A&M quarterback had 62 catches for 769 yards and four touchdowns last year with Vanderbilt on the way to winning the John Mackey Award for the nation\u2019s top tight end. Vrabel has said on multiple occasions that he\u2019s a big fan of the depth of the year\u2019s tight end class.<\/p>\n The 6-5, 245-pounder has a resume that suggests he\u2019d be a Bill Belichick favorite: his father Chris played college lacrosse at Rutgers, and Delp initially believed he\u2019d play lacrosse instead of football. But he also carved out a niche as a dependable pass catcher, finishing his college career with 70 catches for 854 yards and nine touchdowns at Georgia.<\/p>\n Offensive tackle Caleb Tiernan<\/p>\n The 6-7, 325-pounder appears to be a well-polished, versatile presence. A redshirt senior out of Northwestern who started 43 straight college games, Tiernan has some versatility in that he\u2019s played both tackle spots, but has done the majority of his work on the left side. He projects as a solid backup\/swing tackle to begin his career, but with room to grow into a starting role if he\u2019s in the right environment and continues to develop.<\/p>\n Wide receiver Denzel Boston<\/p>\n The 6-4, 212-pounder led Washington with 62 catches for 881 yards, distinguishing himself as a big-body target who can overwhelm defenders. He has a knack for winning on contested catches, and the fact that he has 20 receiving touchdowns combined is a testament in large part to his red-zone prowess.<\/p>\n Cam Kerry can be reached at cam.kerry@globe.com<\/a>. Christopher Price can be reached at christopher.price@globe.com<\/a>. Follow him on Bluesky at christopherprice.bsky.social. Nicole Yang can be reached at nicole.yang@globe.com<\/a>. Follow her on X @nicolecyang<\/a>. Ben Volin can be reached at ben.volin@globe.com<\/a>. Chad Finn can be reached at chad.finn@globe.com<\/a>. Katie McInerney can be reached at katie.mcinerney@globe.com<\/a>. Follow her on Instagram at @katiemac.sports<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Caleb](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ZN4U62ELADH6GSZAPKKAODC7QQ.jpg\")
Caleb Lomu.Michael Conroy\/Associated Press<\/p>\n