The New England Patriots made an aggressive move to address their need at offensive tackle during Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Initially set to be on the clock at No. 31 overall, the Patriots traded that pick and a fourth-rounder (125th overall) to the Buffalo Bills for the No. 28 selection. They used that pick to take Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu.
Guys like Caleb Lomu don’t grow on trees. Tackle was a glaring need, and they got one of the top seven.
Is he everything they’d ideally want from a finishing standpoint? No.
But he got to their range, and they made a decision that should help them protect Drake Maye long term. https://t.co/x4fy3Uhn81
— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) April 24, 2026
Lomu, 21, was a freshman All-American in 2024 and first-team All-Big 12 with the Utes in 2025. After the selection, Pats executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf said the team had a top 30 visit scheduled with Lomu, but cancelled it because they didn’t believe he would be available by the time they were on the clock.
The Patriots are prioritizing pass protection for their young star quarterback, Drake Maye. Lomu could develop into an elite pass protector long term, though there are questions about his power at this stage. He’ll likely begin his Pats career backing up Morgan Moses at right tackle, with 2025 first-round pick Will Campbell manning left tackle.
New England’s next pick is scheduled for No. 63 overall in the second round. Edge rusher, tight end, wide receiver, and linebacker are among the team’s biggest needs heading into Day 2.