What picking Caleb Lomu in 2026 NFL Draft means for Patriots
Pats Pulpit • • sports
Key Points:
- The New England Patriots selected Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu with the 28th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft after trading up with the Buffalo Bills.
- Lomu, a 21-year-old two-year starter at left tackle for Utah, earned first-team All-Big 12 honors in 2025 and allowed no sacks with minimal quarterback pressures during his college career.
- At 6-foot-6 and 313 pounds, Lomu demonstrated strong athleticism at the NFL Combine, ranking in the 90th percentile for vertical jump and broad jump among tackle prospects, though he will need to add strength and versatility in the NFL.
- Lomu is projected to serve as a swing tackle for the Patriots, eventually becoming the heir apparent at right tackle behind veteran Morgan Moses, with the team addressing a key need for offensive line protection.
- The selection marked the seventh offensive tackle taken in the first round, with all projected tackles being drafted early, highlighting the premium placed on protecting the quarterback in the 2026 draft class.
