The NFL Draft has wrapped up, and offseason grades for the New England Patriots are starting to roll in, including from WEEI's own Jones & Keefe.
Assuming the Patriots do land A.J. Brown, it has been an A+ offseason (on the field)@JonesWEEI @Keefe21 @JonesandKeefe pic.twitter.com/BhBKpUz3PO
— WEEI (@WEEI) April 28, 2026
One of their most notable additions was safety Kevin Byard, whom they signed in free agency. Byard is coming off one of the strongest seasons of his career, leading the NFL with seven interceptions while earning his third All-Pro selection and a third trip to the Pro Bowl with the Chicago Bears.
Byard is a difference-maker in both the pass game, where he shows off incredible ball skills and playmaking ability, and the run game, where he has great anticipation and is a sure tackler. Byard will likely replace Stefon Diggs as one of the “Team leaders” next season in New England.
Alijah Vera-Tucker was signed in March, and while injuries have limited him in recent seasons, he has been highly effective when on the field. In his most recent campaign in 2024, he posted a 77.7 PFF grade, ranking among the top ten guards in the NFL. His versatility adds further value, as he has logged snaps at every position along the offensive line except center during his career.
The Patriots have already bolstered their receiving corps this offseason with the addition of Romeo Doubs, a steady contributor in a crowded Green Bay Packers offense. The former fourth-round pick has helped quarterbacks post a 100.3 passer rating when targeted over his four-year NFL career. He is coming off a career-best season with 724 receiving yards and six touchdown receptions, showcasing particular reliability in the intermediate passing game.
The Philadelphia Eagles made an aggressive move in the first round of the NFL Draft, trading up to select USC wide receiver Makai Lemon. It is another signal that they may be preparing to move on from A.J. Brown this summer, with New England widely expected to be the landing spot.
Brown has been a model of consistency in the City of Brotherly Love, recording four straight seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards. If the Patriots were to add a player like Brown, it would give them a true number one target and provide Drake Maye with the most dynamic weapon of his young NFL career.
In the draft, the Patriots also moved up from the 31st overall pick to No. 28 to select Utah tackle Caleb Lomu. His strength lies in pass protection, where his quickness off the snap consistently stands out. He has a solid frame and room to add strength, though that is typical for many players transitioning from the collegiate level.
He is an intelligent player who understands blitz concepts and quickly diagnoses stunts and twists. His technique is sound, with consistent hand placement that typically puts him in the right position. He maintains good balance, avoiding overextension in either direction, and varies his hand usage to keep pass rushers off balance. He has allowed just two sacks over the past two seasons, both coming in 2024.
The 21-year-old does a strong job of locking onto rushers and sustaining control once engaged in blocks. His athleticism also gives him value as a pull blocker, allowing offenses to diversify their run concepts and overall approach. He earned First Team All-Big 12 honors and has started all 12 games in back-to-back seasons at left tackle for Utah.
The Patriots signed Reggie Gilliam this offseason, potentially signaling an intent to lean more heavily on the run game this year. If that is the case, Lomu will need to take significant strides in his development. At times, he appears uncertain when working in space and locating blocks for the ball carrier, and he does not consistently finish his blocks with authority.
His footwork is inconsistent, and it can impact the entire rep when it breaks down. He does not consistently control the line of scrimmage the way more physically dominant college offensive linemen do. He rarely generates significant push in the run game and often struggles to move defensive linemen backward.
He is not a finished product yet, but with added strength, particularly in his upper body, and quality coaching, he could carve out a role on the field during his rookie season.
In the second round, the Patriots traded up again, this time addressing the defensive side of the ball by selecting Illinois edge rusher Gabe Jacas. Adding a pass rusher was a clear priority for New England this offseason, and while the team brought in Dre’Mont Jones in free agency, the position still needed more depth and impact.
Jacas brings versatility as a defender who can fit into multiple schemes, along with a physical, powerful style that should resonate quickly with fans. He is also known for his intelligence and leadership, having served as a team captain at Illinois. Capable of generating pressure from both the inside and the edge, Jacas produced 27 sacks over 50 games, including 11 sacks and three forced fumbles in his final season in school.
In the third round, the Patriots turned back to the offensive side of the ball, selecting Notre Dame tight end Eli Raridon. With Austin Hooper departing in free agency and Hunter Henry set to enter his age-31 season, addressing the position made plenty of sense.
Raridon is a vertical threat at tight end, bringing strong speed for the position and a skill set that should complement a quarterback like Drake Maye. He still needs to add strength and refine his blocking, and his injury history, which includes two torn ACLs, raises some concern. Still, if he develops as hoped, he has the tools to become a dangerous weapon in the passing game.
There are still free agents available, and A.J. Brown has yet to arrive at Logan Airport, but if things continue on this path, it will be difficult to grade the Patriots anything other than an 'A' for their offseason.
