Solidifying the offensive line was the goal in mind for the New England Patriots when they traded up to No. 28 on the 2026 NFL Draft board to select Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu.
The 6-foot-6, 315-pound lineman is an explosive player in the trenches with the talent to find success in the NFL right out of the gate. He can be a devastating pass-blocker with the versatility to find equal success as a run-blocker as well. Whether it's left tackle, right tackle or guard, Lomu can fill any role the Patriots need.
With that said, his run-blocking isn't all the way there yet, and he could improve finishing on his blocks. Regardless, the Patriots succeeded in getting more protection for quarterback Drake Maye, who was under pressure from opposing defenses throughout the postseason.
The Patriots posted a video of some of Lomu's highlights during his college run at Utah.
Excited to add a Ute π―@CalebLomu51 | @Utah_Football https://t.co/KxFKujAyLX pic.twitter.com/GgfjED6DN5
The addition of Lomu gives the Patriots much-needed depth behind 35-year-old right tackle Morgan Moses. It also gives the team another option behind left tackle Will Campbell. The expectation is that Lomu will slide into the right tackle position at some point, but he actually played at left tackle in college.
A jack-of-all-trades option was the best option for the Patriots.
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Highlights of Patriots rookie OT Caleb Lomu dominating at left tackle