The New England Patriots traded up in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft to ultimately select Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu 28th overall.
Here’s who the pick impacts for better, or worse, moving forward.
Winners
QB Drake Maye: New England’s franchise quarterback now has his long-term protectors in Will Campbell and Caleb Lomu. While Lomu projects to start his rookie year on the sideline with Morgan Moses still manning the right tackle position, the Patriots will hope that young tackle duo anchors their
offensive line for years to come and keeps Maye upright.
Additionally, the odds seemed to have only increased that the Patriots will land Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown later this offseason after Philadelphia drafted wide receiver Makai Lemon in round one. That would provide Maye with a top pass catcher and protector as New England continues to use assets to add around him.
OT Morgan Moses: After starting 24 games at left tackle for Utah, the expectation is that Lomu will flip to the right side. But, the 21-year old will start his rookie campaign behind Moses. That depth will allow New England to manage the 35-year old’s workload throughout the spring and summer to keep him fresh for the regular season, also still providing the chance for Lomu to receive key development reps early on.
“[Morgan’s] a tremendous leader and great resource for young players,” executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf said. “Caleb’s young. He’s got a lot of things he’s going to need to learn.”
Losers
OTs Marcus Bryant and James Hudson III: New England’s lone addition at the offensive tackle position this offseason came late in free agency when they signed James Hudson to a minimum contract. That left the veteran and last year’s seventh-round pick Marcus Bryant as the top backup options entering the week. With Lomu now in the fold as the top swing tackle with a long-term starting future, both Bryant and Hudson will be pushed down the depth chart.
