The New England Patriots are being predicted to land a terrific player to fill a major need.
The New England Patriots are 11-3 on the season, so you wouldn't think they would have a lot of weaknesses. However, they are still being plagued by one issue that also adversely affected them in 2024: the pass rush.
The Patriots have totaled just 29 sacks this season, which ranks in the bottom half of the NFL. Yes, it's a step up from the 28 sacks they accumulated over the course over a full campaign in 2024, but it's still not ideal.
New England signed pieces like Harold Landry, K'Lavon Chaisson and Milton Williams in free agency to address the problem, but while those players have helped, it's clear that the Pats still have a hole there.
So it should come as no surprise that some are expecting the Patriots to select an edge rusher in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and Max Chadwick of Pro Football Focus is projecting them to nab Oregon Ducks star Matayo Uiagalelei with the 29th overall pick.
Oregon Ducks edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei makes a tackle. Credit: Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images."Between Harold Landry III and K’Lavon Chaisson, the Patriots still lack a true difference-maker off the edge," Chadwick wrote. "Uiagalelei has the profile to fill that void, ranking sixth among Big Ten edge defenders with 41 pressures this season and offering New England much-needed juice in its pass rush."
Uiagalelei arrived at Oregon in 2023 and managed 18 tackles and a couple of sacks in limited playing time during his freshman season. The following year, Uiagalelei broke out, racking up 38 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, an interception and a pair of forced fumbles.
The 20-year-old has taken a bit of a step back this year and has registered 28 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, five sacks and four passes defended heading into the College Football Playoff, but he has still accrued an impressive 17.5 sacks over the course of his collegiate tenure.
Uiagalelei stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 272 pounds, possessing the versatility to play with his hand down on the line or upright as a linebacker.
He is, without question, one of the top pass rushers slated to be available in this year's NFL Draft, so it would not be the least bit surprising if the Patriots selected him.