Top Patriots Prospects to Watch at This Week’s NFL Combine
The NFL Combine is set to begin at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The New England Patriots are preparing to evaluate potential draft prospects as they look toward the 2026 NFL Draft.
Top Patriots Prospects at the NFL Combine
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel expressed humorous anticipation for the combine after concluding the season. During an end-of-season press conference, he acknowledged the quick turnaround to Indianapolis for player evaluations.
Quarterbacks in Focus
The 2026 draft class features limited quarterback talent. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza stands as the only quarterback certain to be a first-round pick. Alabama’s Ty Simpson is another potential top 32 selection, but the Patriots will likely not target a quarterback early.
Draft Position and Selections
New England holds the No. 31 overall pick and a total of 11 selections in the draft. This positions them outside the range for the top prospects identified by ESPN’s Field Yates, who highlighted five blue-chip talents:
- Jeremiyah Love – Notre Dame (RB)
- Caleb Downs – Ohio State (S)
- David Bailey – Texas Tech (Edge Rusher)
- Arvell Reese – Ohio State (LB/Edge Rusher)
Offensive Line and Edge Rusher Considerations
Yates predicted that Utah tackle Caleb Lomu would be selected by the Patriots at pick No. 31. Other noteworthy offensive linemen include:
- Monroe Freeling – Georgia (OT)
- Max Iheanachor – Arizona State (RT)
- Kadyn Proctor – Alabama (LT)
- Chase Bisontis – Texas A&M (G)
Upon evaluating edge rusher prospects, New England could target players like Zion Young (Missouri) and Cashius Howell (Texas A&M). With K’Lavon Chaisson and Harold Landry III facing potential free agency, bolstering this position is crucial.
Tight End Options
The current tight ends for the Patriots, Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper, face uncertainty as both are near the end of their contracts. The tight-end class, while lacking last year’s star power, offers potential. Notable prospects include:
- Kenyon Sadiq – Oregon (1st Round)
- Max Klare – Ohio State (Day 2)
- Eli Stowers – Vanderbilt (Day 2)
Receiver Class Overview
Field Yates described the wide receiver class as deep, versatile, and lacking a clear top five. Key names to watch include:
- Carnell Tate – Ohio State
- Makai Lemon – USC
- K.C. Concepcion – Texas A&M
Concepcion’s explosive playmaking ability, along with Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr.’s route-running precision, make them strong candidates for New England.
Combine Schedule
Executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf is set to kick off the combine with a media appearance on Tuesday at 10 a.m. ET. Coach Mike Vrabel will follow on Wednesday at 1 p.m. ET.
2026 Season Projections
Looking ahead, the Patriots have a projected nine-win total for the 2026 season, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. The team will face a challenging schedule, including home games against notable teams like the Packers and Bills.
Coaching Staff Updates
The Patriots recently appointed B.J. Edmonds, formerly of Southern Mississippi, to their coaching staff for an entry-level role. He previously interned with the team and is now listed as a defensive assistant.
As the Patriots approach the NFL Draft, they will finalize their evaluations at the combine and prepare for significant roster decisions.
