The New England Patriots have been linked to several defensive prospects ahead of the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday.
According to The Athletic's Chad Graff, three names in particular have continued to pop up for the Patriots: Texas A&M edge defender Cashius Howell, UCF's Malachi Lawrence and Clemson's T.J. Parker. It's no secret that the Patriots need help on the edge, and any one of those young prospects could help provide a major lift on defense.
Howell recorded 31 tackles and 11.5 sacks in 13 games for the Aggies. Lawrence recorded 28 tackles and seven sacks for the Knights. And Parker turned in five sacks and 37 tackles in 12 games.
An important draft looms for the Patriots. Here’s what we’re hearing about their plans. https://t.co/qLwg1SWapl pic.twitter.com/DyK3fw0nfx
The Patriots' current top edge rushing options are Harold Landry III and Dre'Mont Jones.
Landry was banged up last season and turns 30 years old in June. Jones should make a solid addition to the pass rush, but he was viewed more as a K'Lavon Chaisson replacement. It's no secret that New England needs to get younger and better on the edge.
Perhaps they can finally accomplish that goal in this year's draft.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: 3 prospects listed as players to watch for Patriots at No. 31