The New England Patriots had a quiet start to Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft, but they have since picked up the pace. With their third selection on Saturday, and sixth overall this weekend, they have picked linebacker Namdi Obiazor out of TCU.
Obiazor, 24, is an experienced player at the linebacker position. Starting out at Iowa Western Community College, he transferred to TCU in 2022. As a Horned Frog, he appeared in 53 games over a four-year span with 40 starts.
Along the way, the 6-foot-3, 229-pounder
registered 302 tackles as well as 8.5 sacks and three interceptions. A speedy player, who ran a 4.53-second 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine, he also projects to make an impact on seical teams.
In New England, Obiazor is joining a linebacker group that has experienced some turnover this offseason.
While starters Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss are still around, the next three players on the depth chart — Jack Gibbens, Jahlani Tavai, Marte Mapu — have all left this offseason. Besides Obiazor, the depth options consists of K.J. Britt, Chad Muma, Otis Reese and Amari Gainer.
