2026 Patriots Draft Class: Who's Locked up a Spot? Who is Still Battling for One?
Caleb Lomu, Gabe Jacas and Eli Raridon look like roster locks, but six other Patriots rookies are still fighting for a spot on the 53-man roster.
The key, two-day, joint practices are in the books for the New England Patriots, whose top half of the roster is now pointed to the regular season while the bottom half continues the fight for jobs.
Here’s a quick update on the New England draft class of 2026 and where they stand heading into Saturday night’s preseason tilt with the Eagles.
The roster locks
Round 1, Caleb Lomu, Tackle: The top pick has done enoughto entrench himself as a reserve tackle. He’s shown some of the reasons why the team wanted him. Still, you have to wonder if right tackle Morgan Moses went down, would coach Mike Vrabel go to Marcus Bryant over Lomu.
Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Round 2, Gabe Jacas, Edge: The wait is on for Jacas to pop. He’ll be watched closely again on Saturday night.
Round 3, Eli Raridon, TE: One of the stars early in camp, he’s cooled a bit since the Colts and Eagles have come to town. Has work to do as a blocker for sure. Again, a bounce-back night Saturday would be great.
Almost certain to stick
Round 5, Karon Prunty, CB: Prunty pops regularly. Of course, he’s doing it against the 2s and 3s right now. There is a numbers game for sure, but the lack of depth at corner makes his roster spot all but assured.
Sitting on the bubble
Round 7, Jam Miller, RB: Really had a strong night – perhaps a bit unexpected – vs. the Colts. But you think the team might lean toward a vet for that No. 3 running back spot.
The longest of long shots
Round 6, Dametrious Crownover, Tackle: New England will likely make it a top priority to keep him around on the practice squad. He’s shown size and promise, but is very raw.
© Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Round 6, Namdi Obiazor, LB: Would love to see him on the practice squad. Moves so well, mixes it up inside, but the numbers ahead of him make it tough.
Round 7, Behren Morton, QB: The glut of receivers means Vrabel might lean toward keeping just two QBs. It’s a numbers game. As long as Morton doesn’t explode in the final two preseason games, making him a valued waiver target, he’ll likely head to the practice squad.
Round 7, Quintayvious Hutchins, Edge: Offseason, off-field issues aside, he hasn’t done enough this summer to move up the depth chart.