Even the most optimistic members of Patriot Nation couldn't have predicted just how big an impact the 2025 draft class would make.
After all, most NFL teams would be ecstatic about landing one or two immediate contributors in a single draft. However, the Patriots blew expectations out of the water by getting valuable production from five rookies.
Needless to say, the combined efforts of Will Campbell, TreVeyon Henderson, Jared Wilson, Craig Woodson, and Andres Borregales factored heavily into Mike Vrabel pulling off the rare worst-to-first feat in his first year back in Foxboro.
Coming off a successful season that ended in a lopsided loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX, it's no secret the Patriots needed to upgrade an offensive line that got exposed in the biggest game of the year. While Campbell and Wilson look to build off promising rookie campaigns, the front office clearly felt it necessary to fortify a group that allowed 48 sacks during the regular season.
In a somewhat unconventional move, the Patriots doubled down on their efforts to improve Drake Maye's protection squad by spending another first-round pick on a talented tackle.
And while Caleb Lomu doesn't face expectations to play right away as Will Campbell did a year ago, that shouldn't stop him from making a serious run at a starting spot.
In fact, the physically gifted offensive lineman needs to put some heat on the incumbent starters and create a good problem for the reigning AFC champions.
Caleb Lomu has a prime opportunity to prove he belongs on the field
At 21 years old, Caleb Lomu is a young prospect teeming with potential. But just because he needs time to gain strength and experience doesn't mean he should remain on the sideline as a rookie.
Given his 6-foot-6, 313-pound frame, long arms, and elite athleticism, he arguably possesses a better physical profile to protect Drake Maye's blind side than Will Campbell. That's not to say the Utah product deserves to start over the former No. 4 overall pick, but it's at least fair to compare their skill sets and evaluate who fits best as the team's long-term left tackle.
Considering Campbell's rocky end to his rookie campaign and the fact that he entered the league with legitimate questions about whether he can cut it at tackle, there's at least a conversation to be had about his future in Foxboro.
Of course, everyone in the building—including Vrabel and Eliot Wolf—quickly silenced any doubts about Campbell's status in the aftermath of the Lomu pick. However, if Lomu showcases the same steady pass-protection skills that helped him earn first-team All-Big 12 honors in his final collegiate season, how can the Patriots not consider putting him on the field sooner than expected?
Moreover, what if Campbell fails to take a significant leap forward? If the former LSU star can't become a more consistent pass protector, that should leave the door wide open for Lomu to prove he deserves the top spot on the depth chart.
Could Morgan Moses lose his starting job to the promising rookie?
Even if the Patriots plan to let Campbell remain entrenched on the left side, Lomu could still find himself in the huddle sooner than expected.
Morgan Moses enters training camp as the incumbent starter next to veteran right guard Michael Onwenu. However, the 35-year-old is clearly on the back end of his career, and it would be a major gamble to think he'll make it through a second straight season unscathed.
Lomu has primarily worked at right tackle since he joined the team, and despite a vast experience gap, he could make a run at Moses's job. Let's not forget that Moses has a ton of mileage on his legs—he's played 183 regular-season games since entering the league as a third-round pick in 2014.
Expecting him to remain healthy for another season seems like a stretch, and Lomu's arrival at least gives the team a decent fallback plan.
However, the best-case scenario for the Patriots is that Lomu plays up to his first-round pedigree in training camp and preseason action and forces the coaching staff to consider shaking up the depth chart.
Moving Campbell to guard would certainly raise some eyebrows, but on paper, a starting five of Lomu, Campbell, Wilson, Onwenu, and Moses would give the Patriots one of the more intriguing groups in the league. Plus, let's not forget Alijah Vera-Tucker is in the fold and could start at either guard or right tackle. If Lomu proves he belongs on the field, perhaps that could convince the front office to flip Onwenu for a draft pick.
Alternatively, if Campbell steps up and secures his spot, Lomu could give the Patriots an ultra-athletic option on the right side next to the burly, bruising Onwenu. Where that leaves Moses remains to be seen, especially considering he carries a $7.3 million dead cap charge, according to Spotrac.
Ultimately, though, if the Patriots are faced with that type of decision, it's a good problem to have.
After all, wouldn't you rather have too many starting-caliber offensive linemen instead of not enough?
With Lomu and Vera-Tucker now calling Foxboro home, the Patriots may end up having an abundance of riches rather than a dearth of talent.
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