The New England Patriots addressed their most important offseason priority, protecting young franchise quarterback Drake Maye, with their first pick in the 2026 draft. They selected Utah's offensive tackle, Caleb Lomu, after trading up three picks to ensure they landed him.
Few thought this highly rated prospect would be available to the Patriots in the draft. It was a terrific trade and pick. The rookie has already made it clear that protecting Drake Maye is the most important job in his first comments to the New England media.
Lomu had an outstanding season for the Utes in the Big 12 conference. Pro Football Focus rated him their seventh-best offensive tackle in the draft. "Big board rank: 38. Lomu is a well-built, ascending tackle prospect with a strong foundation. He could compete for starting reps early, and with added strength and experience, he projects as a reliable NFL starter."
Indeed, Lomu, who played left tackle for the Utes, is immediately projected to be the team's swing tackle. He'll be ready to fill in at either offensive tackle spot if one of the two starters, left tackle Will Campbell, who had injury issues in 2025, and 35-year-old veteran right tackle Morgan Moses, gets dinged up.
Patriots' first-round pick Caleb Lomu has his priorities straight
The Patriots' newest Drake Maye defender, first-round pick, offensive tackle Caleb Lomu had a Will Campbell-esque statement to show what his top priority will be when the team gets to work this season.
While speaking to reporters, he was emphatic about his key objective: "I'm going to do everything I can to protect him".
That's exactly the most critical role for Lomu and all his other Patriots offensive linemates. Protecting the young franchise quarterback is Job One. Lomu has his priorities in order from the get-go, and he has the prerequisites to get that job done at either tackle position and maybe even at guard.
Lomu has terrific position versatility. He was the Utes' starting left tackle, the toughest offensive line position, for the past two seasons, and excelled. The 6'6", 313-pound tackle also has lots of room for physical growth as he matures. He's just 21-years-old.
NFL.com has these comments,
"Two-year starting left tackle who is still in the early stages of his development...In protection, he shows good balance with adequate foot quickness, landing quick, well-timed punches and using a firm grip to control rushers once he’s in.
His anchor was rarely stressed by power and his athletic recoveries are average. Lomu flashes but is still under construction. His play could improve rapidly with strength gains and additional coaching."
Expect Caleb Lomu to play in year one. While he's young and somewhat of a developmental type, he will be called upon to play when injury strikes. The NFL season is a grueling, 17-game-long grind. Offensive tackles battle in the trenches on every offensive play and can and do sustain injuries.
While he's not likely to start immediately, Lomu will contribute in 2026 as a super-sub, and when he does, expect good things to happen.
Drake Maye was harried and harassed on most 2025 passing plays when he wasn't sacked. He was sacked 47 times in the regular season and another 21 in the playoffs, including a horrendous six times in the Super Bowl. Lomu was brought in to help rectify that game-changing statistic, and he's well capable of doing so.
Sack prevention is Caleb Lomu's game. In 2025, for the Utes, he allowed no sacks, none. He's a terrific pass-blocker, and the biggest beneficiary will be the guy he wants to protect, Drake Maye. Lomu will get snaps in 2026 one way or another.
When he does, Maye will get the pass protection he needs. When Maye has time to pass, he can accomplish anything. Lomu will help make that happen.
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