Patriots Rookies Get Less-Than-Ideal Placements On Latest Rankings

Patriots Rookies Get Less-Than-Ideal Placements On Latest Rankings centers on how some rookie placements compare with broader expectations ahead of the 2026 NFL season. After the Patriots completed OTAs and mandatory minicamp, SI analyst Justin Melo published rankings for the first 50 picks from rounds one and two. New England selected nine players in April’s draft and hopes the class helps address gaps from last year’s Super Bowl-losing roster. Melo ranked Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu 35th and Illinois edge rusher Gabe Jacas 47th out of his 50-player list. The article argues Lomu’s number fits a plan where he is not expected to start immediately behind Will Campbell and Morgan Moses, instead operating as a swing tackle. It says Jacas is a bigger question mark given New England traded three picks to move up for him. The piece focuses on evaluation through the draft-slot lens.