The New England Patriots acted quickly after top NFL Draft target Max Iheanachor was taken off the board at No. 21overall, moving up a few spots in the order to select Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu and nominate him as their next offensive cornerstone.
After a trade up with the division rival Buffalo Bills, the Patriots selected Lomu with the No. 28 overall pick. Even though he played left tackle in college, Lomu might be able to move over to right tackle in the NFL due to the presence of 2025 No. 4 overall pick Will Campbell.
The Patriots decided that they needed an offensive tackle more than another pass catcheror pass rusher, and with Lomu installed, there's a good chance that a unit which was beaten up in the playoffs can start five players under the age of 30, all of whom have high upside.
Patriots trade up to select Utah OT Caleb Lomu
FanSided's interactive Big Board called Lomu a "quality pass protector who is equally adept both between the ears and on the field." While he needs work as a run blocker, his ability to handle pressure as a pass protector and anchor down when faced with power could make him an immediate starter.
Lomu is the second Ute offensive lineman to be drafted in the first round this year, as teammate Spencer Fano was taken ninth overall by the Cleveland Browns. Lomu was the left tackle for Utah last season, though he is a rare enough athlete to warrant some moves to the outside if need be.
Lomu and Campbell could be bookend tackles for years to come. With Alijah Vera-Tucker likely kicking Jared Wilson to center and Mike Onwenu sticking at right guard, New England's line has gone from a weakness to a major strength in just one offseason.
The Patriots are of the opinion that protecting Maye should be the team's north star that will help everything else work out, and adding Lomu is one way to ensure that he won't be planted in the ground like he was against the Seahawks in the Super Bowl.
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