The 2026 NFL Draft is underway, and it took a while before the New England Patriots sprung into action. Entering the event with the 31st overall pick in hand, the reigning AFC champions were among the last teams to make a selection on Thursday night even after trading up a few spots.
Their target? Offensive tackle Caleb Lomu, the first member of a 2026 rookie class that looks as follows:
1-28 OT Caleb Lomu (Utah): Offensive tackle was one of the biggest needs on the Patriots’ roster heading into the draft,
and they wasted little time addressing it. They did so by picking an impressive athlete who started 24 games at the University of Utah over the last two seasons. Caleb Lomu still has some work to do particularly as a run blocker, but he is a natural athlete who has the skillset to develop into Morgan Moses’ heir at the right tackle position. With him and 2025 first-round pick Will Campbell in the fold, New England has its long-term bookends. | News | Analysis | Profile | Instant grades
The Patriots originally entered the draft as the owners of 11 total picks. Following Thursday’s trade up in Round 1, they are left with nine combined picks between Friday and Saturday.
