For the second season in a row, the New England Patriots used their first-round NFL Draft pick to take an offensive tackle, selecting Caleb Lomu out of Utah. A year before, the Patriots had taken Will Campbell, who went on to start at left tackle in 2025.
While at Utah, Lomu only played left tackle. That’s naturally led to a major question for the Patriots. Does he move Campbell off left tackle, or does he need to move elsewhere on the offensive line?
For his part, Lomu has made one thing clear. He wants to be playing tackle.
“I just feel myself as a tackle just in general, left or right side,” Lomu said. “Just having to play left in college, and that’s kind of what I got comfortable to, just playing those three years at left tackle at Utah. My first year there, I was kind of a swing tackle. So I feel comfortable at left, but I’ve also been working at right these past couple of months. So feel just as good on the right side as well. Either tackle position, I’m happy to play and feel comfortable playing.”
Campbell was criticized for his play coming back from injury in 2025, particularly during the Patriots’ playoff run. At the same time, the team has publicly stood by him as their left tackle moving forward.
With that, the expectation for Lomu has been that he’ll be a sixth offensive lineman in 2026, developing behind Campbell at left tackle and Morgan Moses at right tackle. Of course, it’s also worth pointing out that Lomu was taking his reps at left tackle during Rookie Minicamp.
New England Patriots Rookie Caleb Lomu Previously Left His Position More Open
GettyNew England Patriots draft pick Caleb Lomu
Shortly after being drafted by the New England Patriots, Caleb Lomu was less tied to any one position in particular. There, he emphasized how important it was for him to simply be on the field.
“Just wanna play,” Lomu said. “Whatever position is open, I just wanna get out on the field, and get out and play… I’m so excited for the opportunity. I’ll play wherever. I’m coming in to play some football — the game I love. I’m able to play any position. So, wherever the team needs me, I’m gonna be able to play. Just so excited to be part of it.”
Left tackle remains the position that Lomu is most comfortable with overall. While at Utah, he started for two seasons. In the process, he earned Freshman All-American and All-Big 12 honors.
Analyst on Where Caleb Lomu Will Take His Reps
GettyNew England Patriots first-round draft pick Caleb Lomu
One challenge the Patriots will navigate is load management for right tackle Morgan Moses. However, as Doug Kyed of The Boston Herald recently pointed out, this should open up opportunities for Caleb Lomu to get first-team reps.
“I’m not exactly sure how second-team reps will be divvied up on days when Morgan Moses is off for load management, but it does open up starting reps for first-round pick Caleb Lomu at right tackle, and those will be invaluable as a rookie,” Kyed wrote.
“My best guess is that Lomu will receive opportunities at second-team left and right tackle on days when Moses is a full participant. And then on days when Moses is off for load management, then Lomu can step into the first-team role at right tackle.”
With Moses aging, the ideal situation for the Patriots is that Lomu can eventually slot into right tackle while Campbell improves at left tackle. However, the versatility that Lomu offers will keep the options open for New England.
Patriots Rookie Caleb Lomu Announces His Preferred Position to Play