The New England Patriots made it to the Super Bowl after a surprisingly impressive run to the final NFL game. Yet they fell short for two major reasons. The first was because of a shoulder injury to quarterback Drake Maye. The second was his offensive line's poor protection, which allowed far too many sacks.
In a recent mock draft, an ESPN expert hit the nail on the head and chose a top addition for the Patriots where they need it most: at offensive tackle. The pick was Caleb Lomu of Utah.
NFL draft aficionados argue incessantly about whether you should draft for need or the best player available (BPA). The answer is clear as day: You draft for need if you want to win. No team needs 10 quarterbacks if they're the BPAs. In the Patriots' case, Mike Vrabel's top needs are offensive tackle, edge, and offensive guard. They signed both an edge and a guard in free agency. They still need additions at both, but their most urgent need is at offensive tackle.
Many mock drafts will send an offensive tackle to the Patriots in the first round. It makes perfect sense if one who is a first-round value is there. Tackles are hard to come by and as valuable as gold.
If one slips to the Patriots at pick No. 31 in the first round, it's a no-brainer. You send the card up to the commissioner and take him. If not, you select at another position of need or trade down.
ESPN mock draft sends Utah tackle Caleb Lomu to Patriots
Several tackles may slip to the Patriots at No. 31. A great option would be Alabama's Kadyn Proctor. Another is Clemson's left tackle, Blake Miller. All would be slated to play right tackle and replace Morgan Moses at some point if Will Campbell stays on the left side, as Vrabel has indicated. Meanwhile, they'll serve as the swing tackle if a starter gets injured.
Patriots.com, in its Mock Draft Tracker, cites ESPN's Field Yates, who hits the Patriots' top need right on the nose in his recent mock draft with offensive tackle Caleb Lomu from Utah.
"The Patriots' run to the Super Bowl was impressive, but it underscored the team's need to beef up quarterback Drake Maye's protection. Lomu, who took over at left tackle for Utah in 2024 when Fano moved over to the right side, could slide in at tackle or guard for New England. (Note: I am a firm believer that the Patriots should stay fully committed to Will Campbell at left tackle, as coach Mike Vrabel has already stated will be the case.) Lomu needs to further develop his strength, but the 6-foot-6, 304-pounder is already a solid pass protector who did not allow a single sack in 2025."
The 6-foot-6, 304-pound Lomu is a solid option with the ability to play tackle or guard if necessary. Yet, he's light for an NFL tackle, and if Vrabel sees him as more of a guard, the team may want to look elsewhere for a true tackle. A guard or two is also needed, but taking a guard in the first round is seldom a good idea. They can be had much later on in the draft.
Lomu played in the Big 12, one of college football's top conferences, and didn't allow a sack in 2025. If better pure tackle options are on the board, the Patriots may want to go there. But if the head coach sees him as a tackle, the choice makes all the sense in the world.