How the Patriots need to approach the upcoming draft is clear, and as a result, there is a list of players who will inevitably have to fight for their spot on the 2026 season. While that happens every year for any player, the ones who are already considered to be on the fringe have more work to do to ensure a rookie does not oust them.
There's a good chance that happens with a few players this year, particularly at the most significant positions of need that most analysts and draft experts believe the Patriots will prioritize early.
On top of that, they have 11 current selections, and if they make the unprecedented move of not trading any away, that will bring even more competition to the returning roster, which won't be good news for at least three veterans.
Patriots' draft choices could put these veterans in the hot seat this summer
WR DeMario Douglas
There are several positions the Patriots will prioritize in this year's draft, and one of them has remained wide receiver. Although there is far more discussion around the defensive line and offensive tackle, that doesn't mean they won't add another receiver in the early rounds.
That was almost confirmed when they signed only Romeo Doubs in free agency and, shockingly, let go of Stefon Diggs. They still need to add more firepower for Drake Maye to work with, and that immediately puts a player like DeMario Douglas at risk of losing his spot for the 2026 season.
Despite proving he could be a productive part of the receiving corps in his first two seasons, Josh McDaniels didn't seem too keen on involving him in his game plan last year. He was used more as a secret weapon of sorts, which worked, but Douglas doesn't appear to be an irreplaceable guy on the offense.
There's a chance that Kayshon Boutte could have the same fate, especially since he's entering the late season of his rookie contract, as well. However, he has been far more integrated into the offense than Douglas has over the last two years, so it seems safer to believe Douglas will be fighting for his job this summer.
LB Christian Elliss
Because the defensive line is considered one of the units that need to be addressed, and Eliot Wolf cited the linebacker class as deep, particularly for a Day 3 pick, it can't be ruled out that Christian Elliss could be replaced.
The 27-year-old has put together back-to-back impressive seasons as a starter in New England and became known for his hard hits last year. His most memorable came against the Giants when he nearly knocked out quarterback Jaxon Dart, thrilling his teammates and even Mike Vrabel.
We didn't see that from him on a weekly basis, however, and if he isn't able to change that this offseason, then there's a good chance a younger player could steal his spot. That's already a possibility with who is currently on the roster, so a newly drafted player only heightens the chance.
Of course, his experience and violent style are things Mike Vrabel values, and that could certainly secure his spot in the locker room. But he will need to continue to impress throughout the summer to ensure that's his future, rather than looking for another team for the 2026 season.
DT Jeremiah Pharms Jr.
After hearing the latest intel from ESPN's Mike Reiss, it appears as though the Patriots could look at taking a defensive tackle with one of their early-round selections, and that puts someone like Jeremiah Pharms Jr. in the hot seat even more.
Signed to the practice squad in 2023, Pharms has spent most of his career thus far bouncing between there and the game day roster. He's had some standout moments when given an opportunity to take the field, like recovering a fumble, sacking Josh Allen, and taking down punter Jamie Gillan after a botched field goal attempt by Younghoe Koo.
Unfortunately, those impressive moments haven't been enough to earn him a full-time role just yet, and there's a good chance that could continue into the 2026 season.
If the Patriots personnel team feels they can get a more productive and consistent player in this year's draft, then it's not hard to imagine Pharms will be sent to the practice squad again or cut from the team completely.
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