Patriots Targeting Edge Rushers in 2026 NFL Draft

New England looks to add pass-rushing talent in multiple rounds

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:05pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the explosive movements of a football player rushing the passer, with sharp geometric planes in the Patriots' team colors of navy blue, red, and silver.The Patriots' search for a new edge rushing threat in the 2026 NFL Draft will require a multi-faceted approach to find the right fit for their defensive scheme.Washington Today

The New England Patriots are in need of bolstering their edge rush this offseason after losing key contributors K'Lavon Chaisson and Anfernee Jennings. The team is expected to target edge rushers in the 2026 NFL Draft, with potential options ranging from early-round talents to mid-to-late round sleepers.

Why it matters

The Patriots' pass rush was a weakness in 2025, and they will need to find new impact players off the edge to support their defensive scheme and compete in the AFC East. Identifying the right mix of edge rushers in the draft will be crucial for New England's defensive rebuild.

The details

The Patriots are linked to several edge rushers projected to be selected across the first few rounds of the draft. In the first round, Missouri's Zion Young and Parker from an unnamed school could be options, with the latter offering impressive speed and burst off the line. Later on, Texas Tech's Height and Oklahoma's Lawrence are seen as potential Day 2 targets, while Ohio State's Curry, Gumbs Jr. from an unnamed school, and Boston College's Hutchins are mid-to-late round prospects that have caught the Patriots' eye.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26, 2026.

The players

K'Lavon Chaisson

A former Patriots edge rusher who signed a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders this offseason.

Anfernee Jennings

A veteran edge rusher who was released by the Patriots this offseason.

Harold Landry

A Patriots edge rusher who is continuing to recover from a knee injury.

Dre'Mont Jones

A free agent defensive lineman who signed a three-year contract with the Patriots this offseason.

Mike Vrabel

The head coach of the New England Patriots, who previously played linebacker for the team.

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What’s next

The Patriots will continue to evaluate edge rushers leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, with the goal of adding at least one new impact player to their defensive front seven.

The takeaway

The Patriots' pass rush was a weakness in 2025, and they will need to find the right mix of edge rushers in the 2026 NFL Draft to bolster their defense and compete in the AFC East. Their scouting process will be crucial in identifying the right targets across the early and later rounds.