The New England Patriots traded up from No. 31 to No. 28 on April 23 and took Utah tackle Caleb Lomu, a move aimed at locking down the edges of their offensive line for years to come in front of Drake Maye.
The pick came with the Patriots holding 11 selections across the three-day 2026 NFL Draft, but their first-round decision showed where they believe the roster's next priority sits. A year after drafting Will Campbell, New England now has another young tackle with the chance to become part of the long-term answer, and Lomu is expected to be ready to start at right tackle opposite Campbell.
That is the bet. Lomu is an above-average athlete with consistent snap timing, traits that make evaluators believe he can grow into a high-level NFL tackle. Nick Baumgardner called him “really good value here,” adding that Lomu “isn’t a flashy player, but he gets the job done.” He also said, “This gives the Patriots two very athletic tackles who are plus run blockers.”
The appeal is easy to see. The Patriots want to build around Maye, and the draft choice fits that plan cleanly after the club invested a year ago in Campbell at left tackle. Morgan Moses remains on the roster at right tackle, so Lomu may begin behind him, but the broader idea is clear: New England wants its offensive line to be a strength, not a weekly concern.
There is still some risk in the evaluation. Scouts have worried about the lack of high-level edge rushers Lomu faced in 2025, and his Texas Tech tape was described as a shaky performance. He also must get stronger and keep refining his technique and grit, especially after struggles with consistent aggression and leg drive as a run blocker. Even so, teams around the league remain intrigued by his movement ability and his left tackle upside, which helps explain why the Patriots moved up to get him.
The draft pick does not solve everything. New England still needs help at edge rusher, wide receiver and tight end, and the roster remains good but not great. But on a night when the Patriots had room to choose, they chose to protect the quarterback first. That says as much about where they think the franchise is headed as any speech from the podium.
