Patriots links 4/24/26: High marks for Round 1; Prospect fits for Day 2
by from on (#7565R)
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; The 2026 NFL Draft Theater stage at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesTEAM TALK
- Evan Lazar identifies the best available players heading into Day Two of the draft.
- Evan Lazar analyzes the Patriots trading up to select Utah OT Caleb Lomu at 28 in the first round.
- Roundup:Experts react to the Pats' first-round pick. Guys like Caleb Lomu don't grow on trees. Tackle was a glaring need, and they got one of the top seven." More.
- Transcripts:Eliot Wolf (plus 10 min. video) - Caleb Lomu (plus 10 min. video)
- Press Conference:Mike Vrabel (7 min. video)
- Highlights:Inside the draft room for the 28th overall pick
- Highlights: Inside the Pats brand new draft room with VP of Player Personnel Ryan Cowden. (2 min video)
LOCAL LINKS
- Mark Daniels picks the 10 best players available for the Patriots on Day 2.
- Andrew Callahan looks the best available prospect fits on day 2 for the Patriots.
- Phil Perry tells us who the Pats should target next and identifies the best available prospects on Day 2.
- Mike D'Abate discusses the Patriots' biggest draft needs, likely picks in Rounds 2 & 3.
- Mark Daniels gives 3 reasons why New England drafted offensive tackle Caleb Lomu. 1. Lomu is the right tackle of the future.
- Mike D'Abate says the Patriots are getting a talented pass protector in Caleb Lomu. A wise investment.
- Mark Morse writes, I am not in love with the selection of Lomu but I don't mind the trade up to fill what the Patriots considered a major need. There is depth at the EDGE position, but it won't last past Day 2. The Patriots may have to trade up again into the mid 2ndround to get an EDGE player they will be happy with.
- Alex Barth explains it's not about where Caleb Lomu fits on the Patriots' offensive line. It's where the line needs Caleb Lomu.
- Doug Kyed notes the Patriots were surprised Caleb Lomu was still in reach before they traded up.
- Phil Perrys draft grade: Pats land a top-seven tackle with 28th pick. Grade: A-. /click for commentary.
- Mark Daniels reports the Pats canceled Caleb Lomu's pre-draft visit because they thought he'd be gone.
- Andrew Callahan highlights Caleb Lomu's press conference, Lomu realizes dream of playing for the Patriots, open to position change.
- Patriots Daily podcast:Taylor Kyles and Mike Kadlick react live to the Patriots drafting University of Utah OT Caleb Lomu with the 28th overall pick. (36 min)
- Next Pats podcast: Tom E. Curran, Phil Perry, Albert Breer and Tom Giles react to the Patriots trading up to No. 28 and selecting Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu in Round 1. (58 min.)
NATIONAL NEWS
- Josh Edwards (CBS Sports) Biggest need for every team entering Day 2 of 2026 NFL Draft: What all 32 clubs must fix. Patriots: Defensive line, edge rusher and linebacker.
- Daniel JeremiahBest prospects still available ahead of Day 2 in the 2026 NFL Draft.
- Daniel Jeremiah (NFL.com) Top 150 prospects in the 2026 draft class. No. 30 Utah OT Caleb Lomu.
- Bucky Brooks (NFL.com) Pick-by-pick analysis for Round 1.
- John Breech (CBS Sports) Eight trades, surprise picks and instant analysis for all 32 selections.
- Zachary Pereles (CBS Sports) Five happiest - and five unhappiest - NFL players, coaches and GMs after first round. Patriots included in commentary.
- Eric Edholm (NFL.com) Biggest winners and losers from Round 1. Winners: Offensive line.
- Gilberto Manzano (SI) Round 1 winners and losers.
- Chad Reuter (NFL.com) Snap grades for every team after Day 1. Patriots: A-. /click for commentary.
- Mike Renner (CBS Sports) 2026 NFL Draft grades, tracker. Patriots: A+.
- Carter Bahns (CBS Sports) Report cards for all 32 teams after Round 1. Patriots: A+.
- Matt Verderame (SI) Draft first-round grades for all 32 picks. Patriots: A-.
- Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) Eight teams traded out of the first round, Jets had three firsts, and six teams had two.
- Josh Alper (ProFootballTalk) Stephen Jones: Zero intention" of trading George Pickens.
- Andy Nesbitt (SI) The Eagles trolled Pittsburgh so hard after stealing its draft pick at the last second. /Included just for laughs.
- Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Roger Goodell on Mike Vrabel situation:It's a personal matter".
- Nick Shook (NFL.com) Ex-Bills coach Sean McDermott taking year off from coaching, aims to improve for next opportunity.