For any NFL team, no unit is more critical on the New England Patriots than the offensive line, aside from the quarterback. For years, the O-line has been a concern. Multiple draft picks have flopped, including 2024 third-rounder Caedan Wallace, 2024 fourth-round pick Layden Robinson, 2023 fourth-round picks Jake Andrews and Sidy Sow, and that year's fifth-round pick, Atonio Mafi.
But in the past two years with Mike Vrabel at the helm, that's changed for the better, at least at tackle.
The Patriots used first-round picks in 2025 on left tackle Will Campbell and in 2026 on left tackle Caleb Lomu. There's no positional redundancy there. That situation will sort itself out, as Lomu has already shown he can play either side if needed.
He's equally proficient at either. These two young players, injuries notwithstanding, will anchor the Patriots' offensive line for the next decade, and that's good news for Drake Maye.
The Patriots have invested wisely at offensive tackle under Mike Vrabel
The massive draft capital on Campbell and Lomu couldn't have been allocated any wiser. Fortunately, with the only remaining 2024 draft pick, Maye is set at that position for the long term.
The prime objective after securing that most important of assets is to provide the protection he needs to perform at peak proficiency. With Campbell and Lomu on board, they've begun that process.
Unfortunately, they haven't added enough talent at guard. They signed free agent Alijah Vera-Tucker, an injury-prone talent, in the 2026 offseason. It was a poor choice. As expected, Vera-Tucker is now on injured reserve (IR).
The other starting guard, Mike Onwenu, is also out on IR. Their only quasi-depth was Ben Brown, and he's on the shelf, at least for the time being.
With Campbell expected to be healthy, Lomu on board, and 35-year-old Morgan Moses slotted at right tackle, the 2026 tackle position seemed well-stocked, until it wasn't. Both Campbell and Moses have been dinged up in games, requiring Lomu to step in.
He did so admirably. But behind them, there are only question marks.
With Moses likely retiring this offseason, Lomu will step in and start at right tackle in 2027. With his superb performance against the Jets' star pass-rushing rookie, David Bailey, he perhaps should have remained starting at right tackle, even when Moses returned.
He didn't, yet he also could have been slotted in at guard. Again, he's been benched in a head-scratching move, leaving arguably the Patriots' best pass protector languishing on the pine.
Lomu's versatility was a huge plus when Campbell and Moses went out during games. He filled in seamlessly for each. Yet, there's even more to his game. The Patriots are missing a golden opportunity to use his pass-blocking ability at guard, replacing Matt Pryor or Walter Rouse.
Vrabel is missing the boat by not playing Lomu there. He'd be a massive upgrade at either guard spot.
Regardless, the New England Patriots' tackle situation looks terrific for the next decade, with Campbell and Lomu as starters, assuming they add proper depth for 2027. If they can also bolster the guard position this offseason, the future will be bright for the second most vital unit on the field.
Keep clean pockets for Maye, or the Patriots won't be able to accomplish what they need to in the future.
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