The Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini controversy didn’t prevent the Patriots from featuring their head coach in a video from New England’s draft war room.

The Patriots on Thursday traded up with the Buffalo Bills to select Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu with the 28th overall pick. After delivering the pick, personnel executive Eliot Wolf called Lomu to inform him of the selection for passing the phone to Vrabel, who later gave it to owner Robert Kraft.

The Patriots shared footage of the phone call in a video shared late Thursday night.

“Caleb, how are you, man? This is Coach Vrabel,” Vrabel told Lomu. ” … Congratulations, we’re excited to have you. I hope you’re with your family and you’re enjoying this. And we can’t wait to get you here and give you a chance to help the football team.”

.@CalebLomu51‘s draft room call 📞@newbalance | @Utah_Football pic.twitter.com/sgI1EpSVXC

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) April 24, 2026

 

Lomu has the ability to play left and right tackle, but his role for next season remains unclear. The Patriots probably would prefer for Lomu to back up Will Campbell and Morgan Moses for the entire campaign, but things could change due to injuries or struggles from either tackle. Lomu also could force his way into a starting role if he excels in training camp.

The 2026 NFL Draft resumes Friday night with Rounds 2 and 3.

More NFL: Patriots Rumors: Details On What Mike Vrabel Told Players About Dianna Russini Drama