The New England Patriots selected Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu with the 28th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, moving up from the 31st spot by trading pick No. 125 to the Buffalo Bills. After a redshirt year in 2023, Lomu started all 24 games in his sophomore and junior seasons and earned first-team All-Big 12 honors and Freshman All-American status.
Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Elliott Wolf praised Lomu’s athleticism and versatility, believing he can play on either side of the offensive line. With veteran tackle Moses, aged 35, potentially nearing retirement and having missed six games in prior seasons due to injury, Lomu is positioned to eventually take over the starting right tackle role. For now, he will act as a top swing tackle and develop under Moses.
Lomu achieved a remarkable relative athletic score of 9.78 at the NFL Combine, showcasing elite explosiveness with 4.99 seconds in the 40-yard dash and impressive agility in blocking. He did not allow a sack in the 2025 season, underscoring his proficiency as a pass protector, crucial for a team that struggled offensively, especially highlighted during their Super Bowl performance. Although his strength in the run game needs improvement, Lomu’s versatility could be a significant asset for the Patriots’ lineup, which ranked 20th in rushing EPA last season.
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