The 2026 NFL draft is set to commence on April 23 in Pittsburgh. The New England Patriots currently hold the No. 31 overall pick in Round 1. Rounds 2-3 will follow on April 24, and Rounds 4-7 on April 25.
The Patriots have a total of 11 picks: Nos. 31, 63, 95, 125, 131, 171, 191, 198, 202, 212, and 247. The question is how the team will utilise these selections, which positions they will target, and which prospects are visiting the New England front office and coaching staff.
Byard Reflects on Combine Snub
Kevin Byard III, an 11-year veteran safety for the Patriots, recently discussed his feelings about not being invited to the NFL combine back in 2016. He spoke on the “Lots to Say” podcast, revealing that the snub still stings, even after achieving All-Pro status.
Patriots to Evaluate Running Back Prospect Kaelon Black
Indiana running back Kaelon Black is scheduled to visit the New England Patriots for a predraft evaluation. Black was not invited to the combine despite a 2025 season where he rushed for 1,039 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Black’s performance placed him 35th in FBS. The Patriots are one of 12 teams Black is visiting before the draft.
Black spent four years at James Madison before transferring to Indiana with coach Curt Cignetti. At Indiana’s pro day, he recorded a 4.43 40-yard dash, a 37.5-inch vertical jump, a 10’5″ broad jump, and 27 bench press reps.
Adam Randall in Foxborough for Visit
The Patriots are also considering how to use their eight selections on Day 3 of the draft (Rounds 4-7). Clemson’s Adam Randall visited Foxborough a few weeks ago.
Randall is a converted wide receiver. He ran a 4.5 40-yard dash and reached a top speed of 22.82 after rushing for 814 yards and 10 touchdowns in his final college season.
Competition at Running Back
The Patriots already have Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson. Henderson was a high second-round pick in 2025, making it less likely the Patriots will invest another top pick at the position.
However, there is competition for the RB3 role. Terrell Jennings, Elijah Mitchell, and Lan Larison are currently competing for that spot.
Randall projects as a core special teamer and possible kickoff returner, potentially making him a target for the Patriots in the middle to late rounds.
Mike Vrabel said at the NFL annual meeting that he hopes the Patriots will add a