Full Breakdown
Patriots Trade Up for Caleb Lomu and Eye Day-Two Options in the 2026 NFL Draft
4/25/2026, 8:32:27 AM
Patriots Secure Right Tackle with Caleb Lomu
The New England Patriots traded up in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft to select Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu with the 28th overall pick on Thursday night. The move addresses a succession plan behind 35-year-old right tackle Morgan Moses and adds depth behind left tackle Will Campbell. The trade-up action was part of the Patriots' opening-day strategy.
Criticism of Tackle Depth
Analysts highlighted a pronounced scarcity of interior linemen after the first round. Six offensive tackles were taken within the first 21 selections, and Lomu became the seventh tackle chosen at No. 28. CBS Sports reported that seven tackles—Spencer Fano, Francis Mauigoa, Kadyn Proctor, Blake Miller, Monroe Feeling, Max Iheanachor, and Caleb Lomu—were drafted in Round 1, while only one interior tackle, Caleb Tiernan, is projected for the second round. The commentary described the class as “heavy at the top but light in the middle rounds,” suggesting limited options for teams needing tackles beyond the opening round.
Patriots' Day-Two Target List
The Patriots’ analyst identified the following players as the best remaining prospects for the second round:
- Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee – 4.37-second 40-yard dash, 92nd-percentile wingspan, suited for quarterback Drake Maye’s deep-ball style.
- Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois – Former state-champion wrestler, power-oriented pass rusher with strong run-defending ability.
- Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan – Speed-to-power rusher whose bull rush and closing burst give him starter upside.
- Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia – Athletic profile (9.83 RAS, 4.49-second 40) and potential for increased production.
- Eli Stowers, TE/WR, Vanderbilt – Slot-receiver-type tight end with 62 catches for 769 yards, strong separation and yards-after-catch ability.
The Patriots will not pick again until the end of the second round at No. 63.
Strategic Implications of Draft Position
By securing Lomu, the Patriots resolved an immediate tackle need, allowing day-two focus on complementary positions. Mock drafts project a defense-heavy second round, with 24 defensive players among the top 32 picks, while interior tackle supply remains thin. The Patriots' day-two list includes both edge rushers and versatile receivers, providing options at No. 63.
Official Statements & Analyst Commentary
The Patriots traded up in the first round to acquire Lomu, a move that emphasizes protection of the right-side line. Analyst Lazar noted that without Lomu the team would have waited for “middle-round” tackle options, and that the day-two talent pool is “loaded” at edge and tight-end positions but sparse at interior tackle. The commentary frames the Patriots’ next move as a balance between positional need and draft-slot value.
Outlook for Rounds Two and Beyond
The Patriots’ next opportunity arrives at No. 63, where they may select from the identified day-two prospects. The draft proceeds Friday night with rounds 2 and 3, televised on ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network. Teams will continue to address depth concerns, and the early-round tackle scarcity is likely to influence later-round strategies across the league.
