The New England Patriots are looking to tighten up their linebacker group heading into the 2026 NFL draft. It appears that a candidate has emerged with the Patriots, as they zero in on the linebacker position.
Craig Moore is getting a lot of interest from the Patriots, as they look to find a playmaker at the linebacker position. EssentiallySports’ Tony Pauline reported this on Tuesday afternoon.
Moore had a fantastic season for Texas last year. He recorded 34 total tackles, three sacks, three pass breakups, and 27 quarterback pressures.
Patriots Have Identified Linebacker Target
Now, it appears the Patriots are zeroing in on the linebacker, as they look to select Day 3 targets.
During the combine, Moore timed 4.56 seconds in the 40 and hit 38.5 inches in the vertical jump after measuring 6-foot-1.5 and 243 pounds. Presently graded as a fourth-round pick, there is a belief that Moore could slide into the back end of the third round.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have shown a lot of interest in Moore, as have the New England Patriots.
Moore began his career with UTSA. He played for the school from 2021 to 2023. While there, he was able to set some records. He set the school record for single-season sacks with 14 as well as tackles for loss with 18. He earned AAC Defensive Player of the Year honors for his efforts.
He entered the transfer portal ahead of the 2024 season, and he was able to make an immediate impact for the Longhorns. Moore started all 16 games and recorded 5.5 sacks that season.
The Patriots reportedly are looking heavily at the linebacker position. Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf hinted at this during his pre-draft press conference on Monday afternoon. It’s no secret that the Patriots want to upgrade at the position, and get a little bit younger and a position full of veterans.
Patriots Linebacker Unit Was Veteran-Laden
The linebacker unit was one of the stronger positions for the Patriots’ defense last season. Robert Spillane helped enter the unit, as he appeared in 13 games and recorded 97 tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble. Harold Landry III recorded 8.5 sacks over 14 games, and was a captain of the team itself. K’Lavon Chiasson ended up being a major player on the linebacker unit as well, as he recorded 7.5 sacks and a fumble recovery over the course of 10 starts.
The Patriots still need depth at the position however, with Jahlani Tavai no longer on the roster. Jack Gibbens is also no longer on the roster as well. He went to the Arizona Cardinals during free agency. The position itself is very top-heavy. However, depth will be needed moving forward, especially with some of the veterans getting older.
It will certainly be interesting to see if the Patriots act on their interest in Moore. It’s no secret that they want to strengthen the linebacker position. Moore would certainly be a strong place to start. Defense has been a calling card with the Patriots organization throughout the team’s history. Getting another linebacker in the fold would certainly not be a bad thing, as depth is extremely important.
The Patriots will have an opportunity to make several moves in the NFL draft, and linebacker could be a position to watch in the later rounds.
Patriots Draft Buzz Builds Around Surging SEC Linebacker