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Patriots Draft Caleb Lomu 28th, Trade Up for Tackle

5/8/2026

30 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Patriots Draft Lomu

The Patriots selected Caleb Lomu with the 28th pick in 2026 NFL Draft after trading the 31st and 125th picks to Buffalo.
Lomu received a jersey from owner Robert Kraft and president Jonathan Kraft in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Pilot Curtis Tanner, Lomu’s uncle, announced his selection on flight 2701 from Phoenix to Boston.
Lomu said he will play tackle or guard, protect quarterback Drake Maye, and look forward to coach Mike Vrabel.

Summary

Lomu Rejects Dance

Patriots broadcast the pre-recorded dance video at Lomu’s Foxborough introductory press conference on Thursday.
The video aired after Lomu was picked No. 28 and showed him repeat the same move four times.
Lomu said he hated the moment and does not consider the dance his best work.
Despite his dislike, Lomu noted the dance has already won over Patriots fans.

History

Historical Context

In the 2000 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots selected quarterback Tom Brady with the 199th overall pick, a sixth-round compensatory choice earned after losing punter Tom Tupa. Brady, initially a fourth-string backup behind Drew Bledsoe, became the starter in 2001 and sparked a dynasty that won six Super Bowls under owner Robert Kraft and head coach Bill Belichick, reshaping how teams value late-round quarterbacks.

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Patriots Draft Lomu

The Patriots selected Caleb Lomu with the 28th pick in 2026 NFL Draft after trading the 31st and 125th picks to Buffalo.
Lomu received a jersey from owner Robert Kraft and president Jonathan Kraft in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Pilot Curtis Tanner, Lomu’s uncle, announced his selection on flight 2701 from Phoenix to Boston.
Lomu said he will play tackle or guard, protect quarterback Drake Maye, and look forward to coach Mike Vrabel.

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