Caleb Lomu is one injury or a couple bad games from stepping into the spotlight for the New England Patriots in 2026.
When you move up in the first round of the National Football League Draft to select an offensive tackle, as the Patriots did for Lomu at No. 28 overall back in April, impact is expected, both immediate and over the long haul.
Despite early positive returns through OTAs and minicamp, at least one NFL Draft expert is not high on Lomu and his long-term projections.
Only one pick ranked lower
In his most recent piece, Sports Illustrated’s Justin Melo on SI.com lists Lomu at 31 (out of 32) in a ranking of 2026 first-round picks chosen “Best to Worst by Long-Term Upside.”
The 6-foot-6, 310-pound Lomu started at right tackle for two years at the University of Utah before coming to New England.
He is projected as the third-tackle on the roster behind left tackle Will Campbell, the team’s No. 1 pick (fourth overall) in 2025, and veteran Morgan Moses, the starting right tackle.
Throughout the spring, with the 35-year-old Moses hardly on the practice field, Lomu saw much time with the starters at right tackle and filled in on the second team at left tackle.
Campbell still their guy
Coach Mike Vrabel and Patriots personnel boss Eliot Wolf have remained adamant that Campbell, who struggled mightily in the playoffs a year ago, is this team’s starting left tackle.
SI’s Melo says that Lomu still has work to do:
“They plan to develop him slowly at right tackle behind aging blocker Morgan Moses. Lomu should gradually grow into the Patriots' 2027 starter.”
Veterans report to Gillette Stadium for the opening of training camp on July 24 with the first open session to be held on July 25.
New England opens the preseason on August 13 at home against the Indianapolis Colts.
