Patriots Traded Up for Utah OT Caleb Lomu at 28, and Versatility Was the Whole Point

The New England Patriots made their first move of the 2026 NFL Draft count. They traded up to grab Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu with the 28th overall pick on Thursday night, signaling right away that protecting their quarterback is the priority heading into day two.

EVP of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf didn't mince words about what drew them to Lomu. "Caleb has a lot of versatility," Wolf told the media on April 23. That flexibility at the tackle position apparently outweighed whatever draft capital it took to move up and land him. The Patriots made the move in the draft room alongside head coach Mike Vrabel and owner Robert Kraft, making it clear this was a unified decision at the top.

What Lomu Brings to the Offense

The freshman from Utah wasted no time talking about his role in New England. When asked about playing alongside Drake Maye, Lomu was direct: "I'm going to do everything I can to protect him." That's exactly the mentality you want from a 28th overall pick tasked with anchoring an offensive line around a young, developing QB.

The Patriots had five more picks remaining after round one, including another shot at day two with the 31st pick in round two. With Lomu locked in to provide that versatility Wolf mentioned, the focus now shifts to what needs the team addresses with the rest of their arsenal.

What's Next

The Patriots Unfiltered Draft Show will go live tonight from 7 to 10 PM ET, bringing exclusive coverage straight from Gillette Stadium. Wolf is scheduled for an interview on the broadcast, so expect more insight into why they pulled the trigger on Lomu and where they're headed with their remaining selections. If you've got questions, the show's taking them at podcasts@patriots.com or 855-PATS-500.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.