Not only did the New England Patriots take an offensive tackle in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, but they traded up with the rival Buffalo Bills at No. 28 on the board to get him.
Caleb Lomu, the former left tackle out of Utah, won't be protecting Drake Maye's blindside in the NFL, although he could if the same version of Will Campbell we saw throughout the playoffs returns next season. The Patriots needed depth at right tackle behind Morgan Moses, who is 35 years old and nearing the end of his NFL run.
There wasn't certainty that Moses was going to play in 2026. Some wondered if he would retire after an impressive run with the Patriots last season. Moses is as tough as they come on the offensive line, but the Patriots couldn't wager the unit's sustainability on an aging player mulling retirement.
Now, the Patriots get the best of both worlds. They get a proven veteran at right tackle with Moses, along with a high-end depth piece to act as a swing tackle next season. It doesn't matter what offensive weapons Maye has at his disposal if the offensive line can't protect. The team's willingness to stick to the plan they enacted a year ago, when using the No. 4 overall pick on Campbell, is incredible to see.
As for Lomu, he didn't allow a single sack last season. Yes, he could use more peanut butter sandwiches and Muscle Milk, but he is a talented player with the right technique to carry him through as a future starter. He has a surprisingly explosive first step for a player his size, but he is also methodical and poised when processing twists and stunts.
Going to New England is the perfect place because it doesn't put pressure on him to start right out of the gate. He can sit behind Moses and Campbell, taking in knowledge and developing his game for when his number is eventually called.
Don't be surprised to see it called sooner rather than later in jumbo tight end packages, at the very least.
Many viewed the draft as having at least seven high-end talents at offensive tackle before a massive drop-off. The Patriots managed to snag the last one on the board by trading up with the Bills on Thursday night.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Grading Patriots' selection of OT Caleb Lomu in 2026 NFL Draft