Patriots Draft Caleb Lomu: High-Ceiling Tackle

0:00On April 24, the New England Patriots just traded up from the 31st to the 28th pick with the Buffalo Bills to snag Utah offensive. Tackle Caleb Lomu in the first round. This 21-year-old giant stands 6-foot-7, weighs 313 pounds, and clocked a 4.99 second 40 yard. Dash at the Combine. He's got solid arm length and a relative athletic score in the 90s, making him a physical freak for the line. Lomu hails from Gilbert, Arizona, where he dominated high school ball as the state's top offensive lineman. At Utah, he started 24 of 27 games over three seasons, earning freshman All-American honors and first team All-Big-12 nods. He skipped his final eligibility in a bowl game to go pro early, bringing experience with just 25 pressures allowed in college. Fans and scouts are buzzing about his upside as a pass protector. He's explosive off the snap, mirrors Russia's smoothly and climbs to the second level.

1:00Quick in the run game, but he's not the biggest dude out there, with shorter arms and hands and his run blocking lacks that nasty edge right now. Still, it's a smart grab for a team meeting death after losing a starter in free agency. In New England, expect Lomu to back up starters. Will Campbell and the aging Morgan Moses as a swing tackle may be mixing in as a jumbo tied end. Will develop behind vets, bulking up and learning right tackle while the pat's eye edge rushers, tight ends and linebackers later in the draft. That depth chart shakes up, with bubble guys fighting for one roster spot. Patriots got a high ceiling project in the spot on situation. Lomu could be their long term answer at tackle if he adds power and aggression setting up. A stronger line for years ahead. Stay locked in with NFL News Today, AI-powered updates.