The New England Patriots were intent on selecting Utah left tackle Caleb Lomu in the 2026 NFL Draft, so much so that they traded up from the No. 31 overall pick to No. 28 overall in order to draft him.

So how will Lomu help the Patriots beginning in 2026?

Lomu gives New England an offensive lineman who projects to be a swing tackle. He has the potential to limit the number of sacks that the Patriots give up to quarterback Drake Maye next season.

Patriots right tackle Morgan Moses is in the twilight of his career, while left tackle Will Campbell has the confidence of his coaching staff despite a poor performance in the Super Bowl at the end of last season that called into question his status as New England’s starter.

Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf stated after selecting Lomu that Campbell is still the Patriots’ left tackle, which points to Lomu being the potential incumbent for Moses once the veteran right tackle retires.

Lomu did not allow any sacks in 2025 at Utah. He also allowed only eight total pressures on the year. New England needs as much protection for Maye as possible as the franchise looks to capture the elusive Vince Lombardi Trophy next season. Lomu has the potential to strengthen the Patriots’ chances at winning the Super Bowl with the right cultivation of his skills being fostered from the onset in New England.

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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: How will Caleb Lomu meet the Patriots’ needs as No. 28 overall pick?