The New England Patriots selected offensive tackle Caleb Lomu in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
New England traded up to 28th overall to select the offensive lineman out of Utah. Although the Patriots traded up for him, Patriots insider Mike Reiss of ESPN revealed the plan is to have Lomu as the swing tackle and top backup.
“Lomu lined up at left tackle at rookie minicamp practice. The expectation is that he will initially be a top backup to Will Campbell (left) and Morgan Moses (right), even though most of his playing experience has been on the left side.”
The Patriots appear set with Campbell and Moses starting at tackle, so Lomu will likely begin his rookie season as the backup.
Lomu, meanwhile, feels confident he can play both left and right tackle and is eager to prove it.
"I (view) myself as a tackle in general, left or right side. I just happened to play left in college and that's what I got comfortable to, playing those three years at left tackle at Utah," Lomu said.
"My first year there I was kind of a swing tackle. I feel comfortable at left but also working at right these last couple months and feel just as good on the right side as well. So either tackle position I'm happy to play and feel comfortable playing.”
New England will hold OTAs on May 27, May 29, June 1–2, June 4, and June 8–9 and June 11, with mandatory minicamp June 15–17.
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