Since the Patriots used their first-round pick to move up and select offensive tackle Caleb Lomu, there have been a lot of reactions about whether it was a good decision or not. While he certainly fills a massive void on the roster, he was widely considered the last tackle of the first round prospects, and many believe they only picked him because he was the last one on the board.
That may be true, but he does have the versatilty to help them across the offensive line, and that's something they desperately needed to address this offseason. He is projected to be a swing tackle, while also being groomed to take over for Morgan Moses at right tackle in 2027.
It will be a big part of what to watch this offseason, especially when it comes to Will Campbell, since Lomu played left tackle in college, and now there's even more reason to watch the rookie, based on NBC Sports Boston's Phil Perry's latest take on what the Patriots are getting from the Utah alum.
He doesn't provide a very optimistic view point of what he's going to bring to the table, and that's certainly a bit concerning.
Caleb Lomu is already being overlooked upon joining the Patriots offense
While speaking to the crew at Patriots on CLNS, Perry shared what he's been hearing about Lomu and his character, specifically as a football player, stating that there are "concerns" about his "wiring."
"I think there are concerns about the 'wiring.' From what I've been told about this player, I think you'd prefer a little bit different 'football make-up.'
Just about anybody that I’ve talked to, that has met him, or interviewed him, or scouted him this offseason, says the same thing... that's kind of the consensus on Caleb Lomu."
What exactly does that even mean?
Initially, this sounds fishy and just a way for other teams to put down another player that the Patriots chose to draft. But also, looking deeper, it sounds like they are suggesting Lomu isn't a "tough" player, whatever that means.
Maybe he is, maybe he isn't. But considering he was considered a first to early second round talent, it didn't seem to matter whether he was a rugged player or not. In fact, NFL insiders reported that the Patriots traded up for Lomu because other teams were looking to do the same thing.
If he wasn't a player that teams viewed as desirable, then why would they consider picking him or even trading up to get him?
There are plenty of players throughout NFL history who appeared unassuming or were quiet, and it was hard to believe they would become superstars or handle the league's toughness, but they went on to prove those assumptions wrong.
It appears that Lomu will be in the same boat at the start of his career, and hopefully, he can show he's more than capable of adapting to what the NFL has to offer. Based on the tape, he looks more than ready to serve the role the Patriots need from him, and it won't matter if those around the league think he's tough or not tough enough.
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