Since the Patriots used their 2025 first-round pick on who was presumed to be their next franchise left tackle, Will Campbell, the thought going into this year's draft was that if they took another offensive lineman early, he would automatically be the tackle in waiting behind Morgan Moses on the right side.
Because Moses is set to start the upcoming season at 35 years old, it would be unsurprising for New England to get a succession plan started, and that likely explains their decision to trade up three spots to take the final tackle projected to go in the first round, Caleb Lomu.
The problem is that he played left tackle almost exclusively throughout his college career, and on tape, he looks like a darn good player.
Yet Eliot Wolf doubled down on Campbell as their left tackle, so Lomu will be used as a swing option or a future starter at right tackle, which has many fans wondering whether that's the best use of the players they have on the roster. So much so that some have even suggested a different lineup for the 2027 season, and it might be even more reason for Campbell to be in the hot seat.
Caleb Lomu might eventually steal the starting role from Will Campbell on the Patriots offensive line
The initial reaction to Lomu joining the offense is that Moses will mentor him during the 2026 season and will only get on the field for specific reasons, mostly if a starter suffers an injury.
However, given that he is considered a solid prospect on the blind side, it would almost be a shame to see him not used in that capacity. That could be something we eventually see, though, if Campbell's struggles from the end of last season continue into his second year, and many analysts (and fans, too) are concerned that will happen.
After returning from his injury, the LSU alum didn't play up to the standard he had set through most of the regular season, and without harping on him too much, he was part of the reason Drake Maye struggled as much as he did in their loss to the Seahawks in the Super Bowl.
Analysts were quick to remind everyone of concerns about Campbell heading into the 2025 draft, specifically his arm length, and many emphasized their belief that he was better suited to be an NFL guard than a left tackle.
On the other hand, there's a chance he would be better on the right side, as that would better utilize his run-blocking skill set. If Lomu impresses as a pass blocker on the left side, it might force Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf to re-evaluate their stance on Campbell in that role.
It would be a significant move they wouldn't be able to walk back, so they would have to feel completely comfortable with the decision. The best-case scenario is that Campbell develops into the left tackle they believe he can be, and Lomu transitions to the right side with ease and thrives in his new role.
That would avoid any conflict or hard decisions while still giving Maye a solid wall of protection around him for years to come.
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