Some of these they may be addressed in free agency, some may have been on IR but as of the monday after the superbowl, here they are.
There's are 175 prospects sorted by position and ranked by averaging out their ranking from a few sources as of February 20th, 2026. I want to be clear, the players assembled are of my own opinion. The need list was done by taking 20-30 NFL analysts, recording what they said the priorities were, and (like in ranked choice voting) tallying the positions. 175 prospects is nothing when there are thousands of prospects annually, and then there's approximately 10 positions, divided into sub positions.
A depth need is still a need for those who only pay attention to the starters. Each player has a link to providing more information, majority are scouting reports. A 999 Ranking is a clear practice squad player, all other rankings have a chance at being drafted. Also, I want to make note that at least half of the Hawaii Players are a UDFA at best and an honorable mention but there are 1 or 2 that should be legit prospects. Hawaii is a disrespected D1 school, so go bows!
WR: 16
If Maye's gonna just heave the ball down field, he needs someone that can bring it in that isn't a one trick pony.
Every single one of these receivers is a big-bodied, contested catch, physical possession receiver. We're talking 6'2" and up, physical at the catch point, red zone weapons, guys who win with size and hands rather than separation and speed. Nobody on this list is a burner. Nobody's there because of YAC explosion or slot quickness. The entire group can high-point the ball, win 50-50s, and give Maye a legitimate target when he trusts his arm and just lets it go. Receivers who finds the soft spot and presents themselves cleanly rather than one who requires a perfect ball.
Tackle (Right and Swing): 20
They need to plan for RT in a season or two and they never replaced Waddle. And it's hurt them.
These are all long, athletic tackles with solid pass protection traits. Every single one of them has the size, length and foot quickness profile that translates to protecting the right side of the pocket but more importantly they all have developmental upside still on the table. The arm length specifically jumps out across all of them. Long tackles who can redirect speed rushers without giving up the chest. None of them are finished products. I'm not looking for a polished veteran type, i'm betting on ceiling and coachability.
Edge (and OLB): 12
Edge seems like a revolving door for the Patriots, it's time to restock the cupboard.
High motor, high effort pass rushers who win with athleticism, explosion and length rather than pure size and power. These are speed-to-power guys, not bull rushers. Most of them have run defense questions but serious upside as designated pass rushers who can develop into every-down players. They're athletic edge rushers who can win with their first step and are versatile enough to stand up or put their hand in the dirt, making them fits for a 3-4 or hybrid scheme.
Linebacker: 16
Every single one of them can play in space, match up with tight ends and running backs, and stay on the field in sub packages. These aren't thumpers or stack-and-shed run stuffers, they're modern, three-down linebackers built for the passing game first. Essentially building a second level that can blur the line between linebacker and safety, which is exactly how the best modern defenses operate.
Tight End: 12
If they're gonna act like they don't want Hooper, they need to replace him.
These are true Y tight ends, guys who line up inline, can sustain blocks in the run game and pass pro, but have enough receiving ability to be legitimate threats on play action and in the seam. Not move tight ends, not matchup nightmares, functional, do-your-job second tight ends who complement Hunter Henry rather than replace him.
D-Line: 10
These are 3-4 versatile multi-front defensive linemen. Guys who can play multiple techniques, inside and outside, and fit a hybrid front. Not pure nose tackles, not pure ends. They're the Swiss Army knife type that can kick inside on passing downs, hold the point of attack in the run game, and create disruption from multiple alignments. Vrabel's defense demands exactly that kind of positional flexibility along the line rather than one-dimensional specialists.
Safety: 15
They need a true center fielder and at least a single hybrid Strong safety-MLB.
Hybrid versatility. Every one of these safeties can play multiple roles, high safety, box safety, slot, nickel linebacker, corner. None of them are one-dimensional. They're all football IQ players who process pre-snap, read quarterback eyes, and can operate in both zone and man looks.
IOL: 15
The question I ask here is do the Patriots need this position or do they just need to slide the Campbell and Wilson right by one position?
Zone blocking, positional versatility across multiple interior spots. These are athletic, mobile linemen who can play center and guard interchangeably, not power maulers. They win in space, on pulls, climbing to the second level. They fit more of a zone-run scheme rather than a standard gap/power scheme.
Corner:15
I have no issues with the Patriots playing three or four safety formations with how modern offense are but they need to have depth at outside corner.
Long, physical, press corners. These are all big outside corners with length who can jam at the line, mirror in man coverage, and handle the physical receivers. Corners big enough to match the X receivers physically, with the size and length to compete at the catch point.
Running back: 12
The Patriots need Brandon Bolden, a jack knife. A guy who can run, catch, block, and play special teams. That way they can use their two primary backs properly.
Three down versatility. These are all backs who can run, catch, and block, Every one of them brings something to all three phases including special teams value. Adam Randall's WR-to-RB conversion specifically amplifies that, a guy who thinks like a receiver in the passing game but runs with a back's mentality between the tackles.
Punter: 3
It's not always about the leg, sometimes it's about the options a player brings, and having former high school starting and back up quarterbacks punting the ball can make up for a lack of elite punting. There's not enough appreciation for those like Tom Tupa.
Passer: 7
A good backup quarterback is worth it's weight in gold. Brady, Cassel, Hoyer, the Patriots know this. Also, athleticism will always take a backseat to a quarterbacks ability and mind with me, not that it's not a good tool to have.
Arm talent and football IQ first, with athleticism as a bonus rather than the primary trait. The mind comes before the legs across the entire list, cerebral with some physical abilities, accuracy over flash.
IDL: 15
I'm convinced that the modern front seven's most important part is the interior. With the evolution of athletes nowadays, two or three starting interior linemen can change a defense.
Dominant run defenders who eat blocks and control the line of scrimmage first, with pass rush upside as a secondary trait still being developed. These are gap eaters and two-gappers who free up linebackers and make edge rushers' jobs easier by demanding double teams. Nobody on this list is a pure pass rush specialist, but they all are guys who own the interior.
Kicker: 3
Having an accurate leg secures dynasties. Out of all the players throughout the years, this is the first time I'm begging the patriots to draft a kicker from Hawaii.
FB/H-Back: 4
Sam Gash, Larry Centers, Heath Evans, James Develin, Jakob Johnson, having a player that can block has always been a way to sustain drives and if that guy can catch, it's a bonus weapon, especially when the guy is between two hundred and fifty to two hundred and seventy pounds.
These are all blocking-first fullbacks and H-backs who can catch. Physical enough to work in tight quarters, tough enough to play special teams, and smart enough to handle multiple alignment responsibilities, doing the dirty work nobody appreciates.