Patriots' Best Linebacker Fits in 2026 NFL Draft

Phil Perry highlights the top linebacker prospects that could be a good match for New England's defense.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:50pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football linebacker making a tackle, with sharp planes of color and overlapping perspectives conveying the intensity of the action.A cubist interpretation of a hard-hitting linebacker exemplifies the Patriots' desire for physical, instinctive defenders to anchor their defense.College Station Today

The New England Patriots may need to address linebacker depth in the 2026 NFL Draft, with several players from last season's roster no longer on the team. Phil Perry identifies the best linebacker fits for the Patriots based on the traits that head coach Mike Vrabel and GM Eliot Wolf value, as well as intel from coaches and scouts.

Why it matters

The Patriots' top two linebackers, Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss, are set to return, but the depth behind them is thin after some offseason departures. Finding the right linebacker prospects to develop and potentially contribute on defense and special teams will be crucial for the Patriots as they look to reload their roster through the draft.

The details

Phil Perry highlights several linebacker prospects that could be good fits for the Patriots, including CJ Allen, Jacob Rodriguez, Josiah Trotter, Keyshaun Elliott, Red Murdock, Aiden Fisher, Bryce Boettcher, Jack Kelly, and Taurean York. These players possess traits like high football IQ, physicality, tackling ability, and special teams potential that the Patriots' coaching staff values.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April.

The players

Robert Spillane

One of the Patriots' starting off-the-ball linebackers who is set to return in 2026.

Christian Elliss

The other starting off-the-ball linebacker for the Patriots who will be back in 2026.

Jack Gibbens

A Patriots linebacker who signed with the Cardinals as a free agent.

Jahlani Tavai

A Patriots linebacker who has been released.

Marte Mapu

A Patriots linebacker who was traded this week.

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What they’re saying

“The Patriots seem set with their top pairing at off-the-ball linebacker. Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss will both be back and should be given a crack to resume their duties as go-to options in the middle of Mike Vrabel's defense.”

— Phil Perry, Author

“There's some potential depth currently on the roster in K.J. Britt and Chad Muma. But one could make the argument that the Patriots need to be in the market for a linebacker relatively early in this year's draft in order to protect against an injury to one of their regulars at the position.”

— Phil Perry, Author

What’s next

The Patriots will have the opportunity to evaluate and select linebacker prospects during the 2026 NFL Draft, which takes place in late April.

The takeaway

The Patriots will need to find the right linebacker prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft to provide depth and potential long-term contributors at the position, as they look to reload their roster and support their starting duo of Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss.