Full Breakdown
Patriots Trade Up to Draft Utah Tackle Caleb Lomu
4/24/2026, 12:25:21 PM
Trade Details and Draft Selection
New England Patriots General Manager Bill Belichick’s staff executed a two-pick maneuver to acquire the 28th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Patriots sent the 31st-overall and 125th-overall selections to the Buffalo Bills—described by Patriots personnel chief Eliot Wolf as an “unlikely” trade partner—in exchange for the 28th slot, which they used to select Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu. The team had originally cancelled Lomu’s campus visit, assuming he would be gone, but a surprise availability prompted the move up a few spots.
Lomu’s College Production and Combine Metrics
The 21-year-old Utes standout stands 6-6, 313 lb, with 33.38-inch arms and an 82.75-inch wingspan. At the NFL Scouting Combine he posted the fifth-best relative athletic score among offensive tackles (9.78) and ranked in the top-10 for both the 40-yard dash (4.99 seconds) and broad jump (9 ft 5 in). Pro Football Focus recorded a 2.3 % pressure rate on 359 pass-blocking snaps with zero sacks allowed, while another source cited eight pressures and six hurries on 357 snaps—both indicating elite pass protection. Scouts praised his quick footwork, balance, and ability to mirror rushers, noting his run-blocking is “rangy” and capable of reaching the second level, though they flagged a desire for “more power and finishing ability.”
Patriots’ Offensive Line Strategy and Needs
New England entered the draft with a clear need for depth behind veteran right tackle Morgan Moses and left-tackle prospect Will Campbell. Lomu is expected to compete with 2025 seventh-round pick Marcus Bryant for the swing-tackle role, with the possibility of shifting to guard if needed. Recent signings of left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (three-year deal) and right guard Mike Onwenu (final contract year) further shape a flexible line. Coach Mike Vrabel has announced a limited workload for Moses, opening a pathway for Lomu to earn reps at right tackle.
Official Statements & Responses
Eliot Wolf explained the trade: “We thought he would be gone… Frankly, I was a little surprised he was available, so we decided to move up a little bit.” He added confidence in Lomu’s versatility: “I don’t think either side will be a problem for him,” and noted the team is comfortable playing him on the right because of his athleticism. Lomu himself said, “I just want to play. I’ll play wherever. I’m coming in to play some football, the game I love.”
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts highlighted a lingering concern: Lomu “needs a bit more power and finishing ability” to thrive as a full-time starter. Some observers questioned the cost of relinquishing two picks for a prospect who may not start immediately, labeling the move a calculated risk.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We just didn’t think he was going to factor in for us,” — Eliot Wolf, Executive Vice President of Player Personnel, New England Patriots
- “Frankly, I was a little surprised he was available,” — Eliot Wolf, Executive Vice President of Player Personnel, New England Patriots
- “I just want to play,” — Caleb Lomu, Utah offensive tackle, 2026 NFL Draft pick
- “I don’t think either side will be a problem for him,” — Eliot Wolf, Executive Vice President of Player Personnel, New England Patriots
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact snap count used for Lomu’s pressure rate (359 vs. 357) and on his projected primary position—some label him a right-tackle, others a swing-tackle or potential guard. No definitive timeline has been given for when he might assume a starting role, leaving his immediate impact uncertain.
What’s Next
Lomu will report to training camp, where he will vie for swing-tackle duties and possibly earn early reps as Morgan Moses’ workload eases. The Patriots’ next draft opportunity arrives at the end of the second round (No. 63), but the focus now shifts to integrating Lomu into the offensive line rotation.
