Patriots links 4/20/26: Must-haves, needs & wants

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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 18: Elijah Ponder #91 of the New England Patriots runs around the edge during an NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on January 18, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) | Getty Images

TEAM TALK

• Patriots updated Free Agency Tracker and Mock Draft Tracker.
• Evan Lazar posts his final draft rankings for the 2026 NFL Draft: Positional rankings, round grades, strengths and weaknesses, and more.
• Patriots Draft Countdown podcast:Mike and Evan highlight the top edge rushers in the class; Plus they identify additional key weapons and players to build around QB Drake Maye. (12 min. video)

LOCAL LINKS

• Mike Reiss shares some quick-hit weekend thoughts: New England’s voluntary offseason program begins Monday; The McCourtys talk Patriots must-have needs and wants; Patriots called off their scheduled visit for Florida edge rusher George Gumbs Jr; TEs coach/passing game coordinator Thomas Brown’s role; More!
• Steve Balestrieri’s Sunday Patriots News: Countdown to draft day. Patriots offseason; Vrabel addresses team; A.J. Brown trade doubts, “…giving up two early picks for Brown? Nope. It would be a difficult but firm no.” Draft focus on Edge speed; More!
• Doug Kyed’s Sunday NFL Notes: Sources see Patriots picking in 2026 draft ‘sweet spot’ at No. 31.
• Ethan Hurwitz reports the Patriots return to Gillette Stadium as offseason program kicks off today.
• Mike Reiss NFL Draft Notebook: Latest Patriots updates, intel, buzz. Could the Pats use depth at guard?
• Michael Rochman’s Patriots NFL Draft Preview: Assessing targets, markets, and more for the No. 31 pick.
• Karen Guregian sees the 2026 NFL Draft as a key step in the Patriots’ bid to stay contenders.
• Ethan Hurwitz highlights one Tight end prospect and one Running back prospect in each round of the draft for the Patriots.
• Mark Daniels’ Patriots Draft Preview: 5 best tackle prospects to protect Drake Maye.
• Jerry Thornton’s Patriots 2026 Draft Preview: Defensive Line.
• Mark Daniels compiled a list of the 152 prospects connected to the Patriots, ordered them by position and draft projection.
• Mark Morse takes a comprehensive look at all of the pre-draft meetings and visits for the Pats.
• Alex Barth notes the Pats reportedly hosted edge rushers Malachi Lawrence and Gabe Jacas for top-30 visits.
• Ethan Hurwitz profiles Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia. Patriots could make a splash late in the draft.
• Alex Barth discusses Adam Schefter’s latest reporting on A.J. Brown and a potential trade to New England.
• Karen Guregian shares her 3rd and final Patriots 7-round mock draft. Pats take Texas A&M Edge Cashius Howell at 31
• Alex Barth posts a final full NFL Mock Draft. Pats trade out of the first round, pick UCF EDGE Malachi Lawrence at 34.
• Chris Mason notes Drake Maye and Bill Belichick crossed paths at a charity event this weekend.
• Patriots Daily podcast: Taylor Kyles and Mike Kadlick break down down the best WR prospects for the Patriots. (51 min. video)

NATIONAL NEWS

• Adam Schefter (ESPN) 2026 NFL draft intel, notes: AJ Brown is likely to become a Patriot; Other trade candidates to watch; More.
• Kevin Patra (NFL.com) Every NFL team’s offseason to-do list: What can clubs check off in the 2026 draft? Patriots: Reinforce defensive front, Get better O-line depth, Welcome in true WR1? /Click for commentary.
• Albert Breer (SI) 2026 NFL draft needs for every team reveal a compelling theme; Plus, a detailed look at how the first round could play out. Patriots needs: Edge, WR, TE, OL. /Click for commentary.
• Dan Parr (NFL.com) 5 biggest roster needs ahead of the draft for every team. Pats: Edge, OL, DL, TE, WR.
• Bucky Brooks (NFL.com) 2026 NFL Draft burning questions: No. 2 overall pick? First receiver selected?
• Jordan Reid (ESPN) NFL mock draft: 257 Picks, predictions. Pats: Texas A&M Edge Cashius Howell at 31.
• Mel Kiper, Jr. (ESPN) NFL mock draft: Rounds 1-2. Pats take Miami DE Akheem Mesidor at 31.
• Chad Reuter (NFL.com) Seven-round 2026 NFL mock draft. Pats select Vanderbilt TE Eli Stowers at 31.

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