The Patriots went into the offseason with clear objectives, perhaps the most dire being to upgrade the offensive line. Their showing against one of the best defensive groups in the league in Super Bowl LX made it clear that they not only needed more depth but maybe even a switch-up with their starters.
It inevitably led them to sign versatile lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker, who is already expected to be the starting left guard this upcoming season. That moves Jared Wilson to center, the position he played throughout college, while the rest of the starting group remains in place.
While that's mostly understandable, there are still questions about Will Campbell's long-term future at left tackle. Presumably, because of that, the Patriots drafted Caleb Lomu with their first-round pick this year.
The problem is that he is projected to be a backup swing tackle, given that Campbell will remain the starter on the left side and Morgan Moses at right tackle, which has prompted Bleacher Report's Moe Moton to label Lomu a bust ahead of Week 1.
It's far from what anyone in New England wants to hear about a first-rounder, so it's certainly a concerning prediction, and unfortunately, Moton isn't completely wrong.
Caleb Lomu already receiving a troubling prediction ahead of his rookie season
While predicting every team's biggest bust for the 2026 season, Moton surprisingly (or maybe not?) chose Lomu for the Patriots.
Although it seems premature, given he impressed throughout the spring, his logic isn't far off, given the state of the team's offensive line and what that could mean for Lomu's future.
"So, if Campbell and right tackle Morgan Moses are healthy, Lomu won't see the field. He doesn't have notable experience at guard and didn't take reps on the interior during the spring.
Unless New England changes its tune about Campbell's status as a starter, Lomu will be a wasted pick for at least this year."
The idea that a first-round pick might not even get any starting reps is a hard one for any fanbase to swallow, and that is the reality for New England.
Lomu was selected as a depth piece with potential to become a starter, and there has been a lot of talk about him replacing Moses after the upcoming season. That's not a bad possibility, given they could then have their long-term solutions at left and right tackle, but using a first-round pick on a player who might not get a starting opportunity until Year 2 is not generally viewed as a good use of draft capital.
Fortunately, that appears to be the basis for Moton's prediction that Lomu will be a bust, rather than his potential in the NFL, and that's a good sign. If worst comes to worst, he could take over for Campbell at left tackle, which would be a plus.
Or he could be the legitimate successor of Moses if Campbell continues to prove the naysayers wrong and holds down the left side like a legitimate starting left tackle.
It's hard to argue that's a bad thing, especially with the questions still surrounding the offensive line as it is.
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