- Oct 16, 2026
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SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
New England's rookie class has logged 355 special-teams snaps this season, second in the NFL behind the Colts' 403, according to ESPN Research.
Caleb Lomu, a first-round selection, could make his first career NFL start Sunday against the Jets if Will Campbell misses the game with a sprained right MCL. Lomu has primarily served as a jumbo tight end, seeing his most extensive offensive action during a Week 3 blowout loss to the Jaguars. Quarterback Drake Maye praised his readiness, saying Lomu "did a good job of anchoring."
Several other draft picks have carved out early roles. Second-round linebacker Gabe Jacas has played a rookie-high 60.7 percent of defensive snaps, recording 15 tackles, 1.5 sacks and one interception. Third-round tight end Eli Raridon has captured 40 percent of offensive snaps, with 8 catches for 101 yards and a touchdown as the backup to Hunter Henry. Fifth-round cornerback Karon Prunty had been building confidence as a gunner before a hamstring injury sidelined him the past two contests.
Sixth-round linebacker Namdi Obiazor has contributed 104 special-teams snaps and is tied with undrafted Erick Hunter for the team lead with 6 tackles on those units. Undrafted players Channing Canada and Tanner Arkin also factor into special teams.
The Patriots (3-2) face the Jets (2-3) at 1 p.m. ET Sunday on CBS.
Source: ESPN - Sun Oct 18, 6:00 AM ET
Written by the SportsMafia Wire desk in our own words from the original reporting (AI-assisted, checked against the source).