The New England Patriots drafted Caleb Lomu in the first round of the NFL Draft, and played him at left tackle on Saturday during rookie minicamp, per MassLive's Mark Daniels.
All offseason, the Patriots have noted that Will Campbell is their left tackle. Lomu is expected to take over at right tackle eventually, so why are the Patriots playing him at left tackle? Should Campbell be worried about losing his spot?
Well, Lomu spent most of his time at Utah playing left tackle. He is most comfortable there, so it makes sense that the Patriots have him there to start the rookie minicamp. His role this season will likely be as a backup tackle, capable of playing both sides. The more important side of the line is the left side, so the Patriots may want to ease him in by having him play a familiar position, while also ensuring he is ready to fill the important role at the NFL level when needed.
Lomu has noted that he is open to playing either tackle position, knowing that his future with the Patriots is likely at right tackle.
"I feel comfortable at left but also been working out right these past couple of months, so I feel just as good on the right side as well,” Lomu said during his introductory press conference. “So, either tackle position, I’m happy to play and feel comfortable playing.”
The offensive line was not the best last season, so Lomu could be a key part in fixing that. Even if he does not play much this season, he is great insurance against an injury to Campbell or Morgan Moses. Down the line, he is expected to take over for Moses, who is nearing the end of his career.
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