The New England Patriots may have found one of the biggest steals of the 2026 NFL Draft—and it came in the sixth round. According to Nick Baumgardner, an NFL Draft analyst and senior writer for The Athletic, the Patriots' selection of Texas A&M offensive tackle Dametrious Crownover is among the "best value picks" of the entire draft class.

In a draft where the Patriots once again doubled down on offensive tackles—taking Utah's Caleb Lomu at No. 28 overall and then trading up with the Jacksonville Jaguars to snag Crownover at pick No. 196—it's the later-round addition that's turning heads. Baumgardner highlighted Crownover's unique blend of size and control, calling him "another gigantic tackle" who stands 6-foot-7, weighs 321 pounds, and boasts nearly 36-inch arms.

"He keeps his massive frame under control off the edge and brings real potential as a run blocker," Baumgardner wrote. "He's another player who could perform immediately as a swing tackle before blossoming into something more."

Crownover brings a wealth of experience to Foxborough, having played in 47 games over four seasons with the Aggies. For a Patriots team looking to fortify its offensive line depth, the 196th overall pick offers more than just a lottery ticket—he's a player who could step into a swing tackle role right away, providing insurance and development upside for the 2026 season and beyond. In a league where offensive line value is at a premium, landing a prospect with Crownover's physical tools and run-blocking potential in the sixth round is the kind of move that can quietly reshape a roster.