The mini-camps have been completed, and most of the New England Patriots' rookies have been seen and evaluated. It's helpful to take a look at those trending up after the OTAs before summer camp commences in late July. Early impressions help but aren't definitive - especially when the pads go on.
All three rookies play on offense, and if they pan out, each will contribute to quarterback Drake Maye's success in 2026.
First impressions have a shelf life until camp, and everything will change for some. Yet it's instructive to look at rookies who've made an impression thus far and posed challenges to competitors at their positions.
3 Patriots' offensive rookies who've shined in mini-camps
Offensive tackle, Caleb Lomu
One rookie who's lived up to the expectations of being drafted with the Patriots' 2026 first-round pick is Utah's Caleb Lomu. The big left tackle has slotted in at both left and right tackle and even taken reps at guard. It's a very astute use of his pass-blocking talent by Mike Vrabel.
Lomu should be the first man in whenever an injury occurs to a non-center offensive lineman. The result will be no drop-off and maybe even an upgrade in pass protection for Drake Maye.
SI.com's Ethan Hurwitz had this to say about Lomu's versatility.
"It didn't matter if it was at left tackle, right tackle or left guard. Lomu was all over the field during the non-padded practices. The first round draft choice doesn't have a clear spot in the starting lineup just yet, but is proving that he can be a valuable piece of the offensive line puzzle anywhere he slots in."
Tight end, Eli Raridon
The Patriots' situation at tight end is not a strength. They lost free agent signing blocking tight end Julian Hill to a season-ending injury, a major blow to their running options on offense. They had drafted Notre Dame's big tight end, Eli Raridon, to man the third tight end position, but that situation has clearly changed.
Raridon was selected with a third-round premium pick, and absent a trade to bolster the position, the spotlight will be on him to justify that high selection.
Hurwitz thinks he's a riser but qualified his excitement and had this to say.
"Raridon showed flashes in the passing game during practices, but still has plenty to go in his development. He's expected to get a larger dose of snaps this season that the team might have previously hoped after veteran Julian Hill went down with a season-ending injury to start the month."
Running back, Jam MIller
The Patriots drafted Alabama running back Jam Miller in the seventh round. It was a good positional pick as the unit is in flux after Antonio Gibson was released. Miller has caught some eyes with his compact but solid NFL build. He's built to run between the tackles and may contend for a spot as the backup inside runner behind starter Rhamondre Stevenson.
Pats' Pulpit's Bernd Buchmasser and Taylor Kyles complied a solid and detailed analysis of the back and his chances to make the 20206 raster.
"Miller looks like he was built in the running back factory. Standing at 5-foot-10 and 209 pounds, he offers a muscular, filled-out frame...The Patriots’ backup running back competition projects to be an intense one this summer, but Miller winning it would seemingly require a massive effort... Despite his speed, he is less dynamic an option as, for example, Lan Larison, and also does not appear to have a particularly high ceiling...the practice squad might be a more realistic landing spot than the 53-man roster."
Caleb Lomu and Eli Raridon are locks to make the Patriots' 53-man roster and likely the 47-man gameday one, as well. Jam Miller is more of a roster bubble type who'll more likely stick as Pats' Pulpit speculates on the practice squad.
Yet, as with any position on the roster, injuries happen, and should Stevenson wind up on the shelf, the Patriots may just count on Miller to pick up the slack.
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