Patriots Rookie’s Family Predicted His New England Future Before NFL Draft image
Jun 10, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tackle Caleb Lomu (74) speaks to the media after minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Caleb Lomu did not know which NFL team would select him in the first round.
His wife apparently did.
Before the 2026 NFL Draft began, Lomu’s family and friends gathered around a large map of the United States. Everyone received a sticky note and was asked to predict where the Utah offensive tackle would begin his professional career.
The guesses covered several possible destinations. Only one person selected New England.
“My wife actually chose New England,” Lomu said, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss. “She was the only one who put her name up on the Patriots.”
New England eventually traded up three spots and selected Lomu with the 28th overall pick. The Patriots rookie considers his wife Kitty’s prediction a sign that New England was the right destination all along.
Caleb Lomu’s First Patriots Trip Included Another Family Surprise
The unusual family connections continued after the draft. Lomu boarded a red-eye flight from Phoenix to Boston before his introductory news conference. His uncle, Curtis Tanner, happened to be the pilot.
Tanner had received the assignment only a few days earlier. It also was Lomu’s first time flying on a plane operated by his uncle. Tanner made sure everyone on the flight knew about the newest member of the Patriots. He called Lomu to the front of the plane, introduced him to the other passengers and presented him with a commemorative flight pin.
“He’s the type of uncle who is going to embarrass you a bit,” Lomu told ESPN.
What could have been an ordinary overnight flight instead became another unforgettable part of Lomu’s NFL arrival.
Lomu later revisited his draft experience during an interview with Steve Burton on “Patriots All Access”.
The story creates an entertaining beginning for a player New England hopes will become an important part of its future.
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Patriots Made Aggressive Move To Protect Drake Maye
The Patriots did not enter the first round knowing Lomu would remain available. Once the 6-foot-6, 313-pound tackle began sliding, New England moved from No. 31 to No. 28 to secure him. Lomu started for two seasons at Utah and earned first-team All-Big 12 honors in 2025. His athleticism and experience at left tackle made him one of the most intriguing offensive linemen in the draft.
His immediate role could involve patience.
Will Campbell and Morgan Moses entered the season as New England’s established starting tackles. That gives Lomu time to develop while learning from experienced players and preparing to contribute on either side of the line.
His long-term importance remains obvious.
Moses is 35 years old, and the Patriots need a dependable succession plan at right tackle. Lomu gives them a potential future starter at one of football’s most valuable positions.
The investment also reflects New England’s commitment to building around Drake Maye. The Patriots cannot ask their franchise quarterback to sustain MVP-caliber production without protecting him. Adding Lomu one year after using the No. 4 overall pick on Campbell gives New England two young tackles it can develop alongside Maye.
Lomu’s wife could not have known the Patriots would trade up for him when she placed her prediction on that map.
She still picked the correct destination.
Now Lomu must prove New England also picked the right player.
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