The New England Patriots selected Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu with the 28th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, trading up three spots by sending the Buffalo Bills’ No. 125 selection to complete the deal.
The move addresses a clear need for long-term stability at offensive tackle, a position where the Patriots retained Super Bowl starters Will Campbell and Morgan Moses but face an aging veteran on the right side. Moses, who turned 35 in March, is viewed as a stop-gap solution with uncertain longevity beyond the next two or three seasons.
Campbell, the Patriots’ left tackle and the fourth overall pick in the 2025 draft, remains entrenched on the left side despite a challenging finish to his rookie year following a knee injury. At 22 years classic — just 11 months older than Lomu — he is still developing into the franchise cornerstone the Patriots envisioned when they selected him.
Lomu, a natural left tackle who played nearly 98% of his snaps at Utah on that side, is expected to start his rookie season as a swing backup behind Campbell and Moses. The Patriots project him to eventually assume the starting right tackle role in 2027, though that timeline could accelerate based on training camp performance, preseason reps, or injury situations.
His versatility was emphasized by Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf, who noted Lomu has the athletic ability and talent to play anywhere on the offensive line. Despite his left tackle pedigree, Wolf believes the 21-year-old is capable of transitioning to the right side.
His pass protection credentials are particularly notable: Lomu did not allow a single sack during his final season at Utah, a direct response to the Patriots’ struggles protecting quarterback Drake Maye in the pocket during Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks’ four-man rush.
On the ground, Lomu anchored an offense that produced 3,462 rushing yards and 41 touchdowns in 2025 — the highest single-season totals in Utah program history — showcasing his effectiveness in run blocking as well.
The Patriots’ offensive line depth now includes veteran free agent signing James Hudson III, who brings five NFL seasons and 20 career starts to a one-year deal, and Marcus Bryant, a sixth-round pick from last year competing for a backup role after losing his spot to Thayer Munford Jr. And Vederian Lowe, the latter now with the San Francisco 49ers.
With Munford Jr. Unsigned and Lowe relocated, Bryant is positioned to compete for the fourth tackle spot during summer camp, adding another layer of competition to a group that blends youth, experience, and developmental potential.
Why did the Patriots trade up to select Caleb Lomu?
The Patriots traded up from the 31st to the 28th pick to secure Lomu, viewing him as a long-term solution at right tackle to eventually replace the aging Morgan Moses, while also providing immediate swing tackle versatility and injury insurance in 2026.
How does Caleb Lomu fit into the Patriots’ offensive line plans?
Lomu is expected to begin his rookie season as a backup behind Will Campbell and Morgan Moses, develop under Moses for a year, and potentially assume the starting right tackle role in 2027, with the possibility of an accelerated timeline based on performance or injuries.