Two days and three rounds down, one day and four rounds to go in the 2026 NFL Draft. The proceedings conclude on Saturday afternoon with Rounds 4 through 7, with the New England Patriots currently set to make five picks in that span. <\/p>\n
Initially, the Patriots came into this draft with eight picks on Day 3. However, they moved off of two fourth rounders and a sixth in two separate trades moving up in the first and second rounds. Here’s a look at what they’ve done so far:<\/p>\n
In those trades, the Patriots traded Pick 125 (fourth round) to the Bills to move up from Pick 31. Then, they traded Picks 131 (fourth round) and 202 (sixth round) to move up from 63. <\/p>\n
With that, here are the picks they have left on Day 3:<\/p>\n
Round 5, Pick 171
Round 6, Pick 191
Round 6, Pick 198
Round 6, Pick 212
Round 7, Pick 247<\/p>\n
Of course, a trade-up could be in the cards so the Patriots avoid a nearly 80-pick gap. At the same time, executive vice president of player personnel Eliot noted during his post-draft press conference on Thursday that the team likes to have as many picks as possible, and they’ve already gone down from 11 to eight after having made double-digit picks in four of the past six years Wolf has been with the team. <\/p>\n
Where they’re at right now though, they’ll still have plenty of chances to fill some depth needs. Keeping that in mind, here are some positions to watch and players to know when Day 3 of the draft gets underway Saturday afternoon…<\/p>\n
*Player had a reported top 30 visit with the Patriots<\/p>\n
Linebacker: During his pre-draft press conference, executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf said he specifically likes this linebacker class on Day 3. With the departures of Jahlani Tavai, Jack Gibbens, and Marte Mapu this offseason the team could use more depth from this position, both defensively and on special teams.<\/p>\n
Notable players remaining:<\/p>\n
Kyle Louis, Pitt
Harold Perkins, LSU
Bryce Boettcher, Oregon
Deontae Lawson, Alabama
Aiden Fisher, Alabama
Kaleb Elarms-Orr, TCU
Keyshaun Elliott, Arizona State
Jimmy Rolder, Michigan
Taurean York, Texas A&M
Lander Barton, Utah
Eric Gentry, USC
Khalil Jacobs, Missouri*<\/p>\n
Defensive tackle: While the Patriots return most of their successful defensive tackle room from last year, the loss of Khyiris Tonga still looms. Most of the players currently in the room are primary pass rushers, and they could use a run-stopping nose tackle. This projects to be a strong draft for that position and specialty. <\/p>\n
Notable players remaining:<\/p>\n
Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State
Gracen Halton, Oklahoma
Kaleb Proctor, Southeastern Louisiana^
DeMonte Capehart, Clemson
Zane Durant, Penn State
Tim Keenan, Alabama
Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati
Nick Barrett, South Carolina
Bryson Eason, Tennessee
Jordan Van Den Berg, Georgia Tech
Cole Brevard, Texas<\/p>\n
^Proctor is not a nose-tackle like the other players on this list, but more of an athletic, rushing DT. He just projects as a Patriots fit stylistically, so he’s included on the list. <\/p>\n