For the first time in three years, the New England Patriots didn't have a top-10 draft pick to use on a major hole on their roster, like quarterback or left tackle, and that gave them a few more options when they were finally on the clock at No. 31.
They inevitably chose to trade up to get a presumed future right tackle, do the same thing in the second round for a pass rusher, and managed to get a top tight end prospect with their third round selection.
The additions immediately put pressure on some of the returning players, and they'll need to step up their game to secure a roster spot for the upcoming season.
But some won't even have that chance, as the Patriots have already made their first roster cut after draft weekend, with tight end Marshall Lang being cut on Monday morning.
He's likely just the first, and certainly won't be the last, with even bigger moves probably coming over the next few weeks.
THe Patriots are already making changes to their roster after the 2026 NFL Draft
Although Lang was far from a sure thing to make the team this year, it's still notable that he has already been cut before the Patriots even see how their draft picks and UDFA signings perform once in Foxboro.
Other players in similar situations as the tight end could be the next to go, which is significant for some who haven't had a proper chance to show what they can do. But that's the business side of football that is difficult, and draft picks will always take precedence over fringe players.
Lang was already considered an outside before the draft, with the additions of Julian Hill and fullback Reggie Gilliam in free agency. Prioritizing a tight end was expected to be an early selection, and that's exactly what the Patriots did with Eli Raridon in the third round, so that left Lang on the outside looking in.
The silver lining for the young player is that he was cut early enough in the offseason to have a decent chance of being picked up by another team and get the opportunity he didn't have in New England.
The same won't be said about the eventual long line of Patriots who will be cut at some point later this year, some of whom will have to fight even harder because of the rookie class coming in.
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