The 2026 NFL Draft is a day away as the New England Patriots continue the process of finishing their board. Things will look quite different for the team this draft picking 31st overall after back-to-back years selecting in the top-five. After spending two draft picks on specialists last season, New England may be looking to add more competition this go-around.
So, with that said, let’s take a look at some of the prospects that might make sense for the Patriots at the position.
Patriots’ current specialists situation
The Patriots dipped
into the draft twice last year to upgrade their specialists group. That began in the sixth-round with kicker Andy Borregales, who finished his rookie season strong making 27-of-32 attempts in the regular season. Borregales is set to enter the year as the unquestioned starter. Seventh-round pick Julian Ashby now faces competition at long snapper, however, after the team signed Niko Lalos in free agency. Ashby, who started every game for the Patriots his rookie season, would still be considered the odds-on favorite.
Any addition in the draft would likely come at the punter position, as Bryce Baringer enters the final year of his rookie contract. While Baringer has had plenty of strong moments, some continued inconsistency may result in the team bringing in competition.
Patriots NFL Draft fits on special teams
Brett Thorson (Georgia): Last year’s Ray Guy Award winner as the best punter in college football, Thorson will likely be the first punter off the board. The Australian recorded 23 punts i20s last season in comparison to just four touchbacks, while his 8.7 percent return rate was the third lowest in the FBS. | Consensus ranking: 275
Ryan Eckley (Michigan State): Taking over for Bryce Baringer in 2023, Eckley has handled punting duties the last three seasons for the Spartans. His 2025 campaign was perhaps his best as he increased his average hang time and kicked just one touchback while 20 punts were downed inside the 20. | Consensus ranking: 344
Jack Stonehouse (Syracuse): One of the highest graded punters last season, Stonehouse ranked in the top-15 in yards per attempt and fair catches as his average hang time increased for the fourth consecutive season. His six touchbacks were a career-worst, however. Jack’s cousin, Ryan, served as Mike Vrabel’s punter in Tennessee. | Consensus ranking: 407
Tommy Doman (Florida): Beginning his collegiate career as a kicker, Doman switched to punting in 2023. He led the FBS in average hang time last season (4.52s) but must continue to improve his accuracy and touch. | Consensus ranking: 499
In addition to those prospects, others to watch include: Tyler Perkins (Iowa State), Ross James (Oregon), Wes Pahl (Oklahoma State), Cole Maynard (Western Kentucky), and Keegan Andrews (UMass).
