Patriots Eye Top Talent on Day Two: Lazar Highlights Best Available Players in 2026 NFL Draft
By Sports Desk | Pittsburgh, PA – As the 2026 NFL Draft shifts into high gear on Day Two, New England Patriots insider Evan Lazar has unveiled his list of prime targets still on the board, offering the team strategic options to bolster key positions.[1]
The draft, hosted in Pittsburgh, kicked off with Round 1 on April 23, followed by Rounds 2-3 on April 24, and continuing through Rounds 4-7 on April 25. With the Patriots holding picks in the middle rounds, Lazar’s analysis focuses on high-upside players available after the first night’s selections, emphasizing edge rushers, tight ends, wide receivers, and more.[1][3]
Lazar’s Top Picks for New England
Leading Lazar’s **best available players** heading into Day Two is Tennessee wide receiver **Chris Brazzell II** (6-4, 198 lbs), whom he compares to Indianapolis Colts standout Alec Pierce. Brazzell’s size and athleticism make him a vertical threat ideal for stretching defenses, a need for the Patriots’ receiving corps.[1]
At edge rusher, Illinois’ **Gabe Jacas** (6-4, 260 lbs) stands out, drawing parallels to former Houston Texans star Whitney Mercilus. Jacas brings power and speed off the edge, addressing New England’s perennial quest for pass-rush firepower. Other edge options like David Bailey (Texas Tech), Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami), T.J. Parker (Clemson), Keldric Faulk (Auburn), and Akheem Mesidor (Miami) also remain on broader draft boards.[1][3][4]
Tight end emerges as a hotspot, with Georgia’s **Oscar Delp** (6-5, 245 lbs) likened to Detroit Lions’ Pro Bowl talent Sam LaPorta. Delp’s receiving skills and blocking prowess could transform the Patriots’ offense. Lazar has extensively scouted tight ends, ranking his top five prospects in a separate breakdown, while Kenyon Sadiq from Oregon appears on ESPN’s top remaining list.[1][2][3]
Additional standouts include Vanderbilt TE Eli (pro comparison: Oronde Gadsden II) and Michigan DE Derrick Moore, rounding out a versatile group of edge defenders and skill players.[1]
Broad Draft Landscape: ESPN and NFL.com Insights
ESPN’s live **best available** rankings post-Round 1 spotlight Notre Dame RB **Jeremiyah Love** at No. 1, followed by Ohio State safety **Caleb Downs** and linebacker **Arvell Reese**. Quarterback **Fernando Mendoza** (Indiana) at No. 4 could intrigue if the Patriots consider a developmental signal-caller, though their focus appears elsewhere.[3]
Wide receiver depth is plentiful, featuring Ohio State’s **Carnell Tate** (No. 11), Arizona State’s **Jordyn Tyson** (No. 12), USC’s **Makai Lemon** (No. 13), and Washington’s **Denzel Boston** (No. 19). NFL.com praises Lemon for his slot quickness and “linebacker’s temperament,” while Boston and Indiana’s **Omar Cooper Jr.** earn raves for combat catches and route-running fluidity.[3][4]
Defensive backs like LSU CB **Mansoor Delane** (No. 15) – noted for elite coverage skills – and Oregon S **Dillon Thieneman** (No. 20) offer secondary reinforcements. Offensive line prospects such as Penn State’s **Olaivavega Ioane** (OG, No. 6) and Miami OT **Francis Mauigoa** (No. 8) could solidify the trenches.[3][4]
| Rank | Player | School | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiyah Love | Notre Dame | RB |
| 2 | Caleb Downs | Ohio State | S |
| 3 | Arvell Reese | Ohio State | LB |
| 4 | Fernando Mendoza | Indiana | QB |
| 5 | Sonny Styles | Ohio State | LB |
| 6 | Olaivavega Ioane | Penn State | OG |
| 7 | David Bailey | Texas Tech | EDGE |
| 8 | Francis Mauigoa | Miami | OT |
| 9 | Spencer Fano | Utah | OT |
| 10 | Kenyon Sadiq | Oregon | TE |
Patriots’ Draft Strategy and Needs
Under new leadership, the Patriots prioritize athleticism and versatility. Lazar notes “plenty of intriguing options at edge rusher and tight end,” aligning with roster gaps exposed last season. Day Two picks could pair with Day One selections to accelerate a rebuild.[1]
NFL.com’s rankings highlight prospects like safety **Emmanuel McNeil-Warren** (explosive hitter), DT **Kayden McDonald** (run-stuffer), and others matching New England’s defensive scheme.[4]
As Rounds 2-3 unfold today, all eyes are on how director of player personnel Evan Lazar’s recommendations influence decisions. With Pittsburgh’s skyline as backdrop, the Patriots have a chance to snag difference-makers from a talent-laden board.[1][3]
Key Matchups to Watch
- WR Depth: Brazzell, Tate, Tyson, Lemon – Speed and size for Drake Maye’s arsenal.[1][3]
- EDGE Rush: Jacas, Bailey, Parker – Pass-rush upgrade imperative.[1][3]
- TE Premium: Delp, Sadiq – Weapons over the middle.[1][2][3]
- DB Steals: Downs, Delane – Secondary reinforcements.[3][4]
The draft’s fluidity means surprises abound, but Lazar’s list provides a roadmap. Stay tuned as New England maneuvers in Pittsburgh.
(Word count: 1028)