Now that we are past the Super Bowl, we look ahead toward the 2026 NFL Draft. This weekly series will take a closer look at some of the prospects the Carolina Panthers could select in the 2026 iteration
of the Draft. In this series, we’ll only be looking at prospects the Panthers could seriously consider. This week our profile will focus on Utah Utes offensive tackle Caleb Lomu.
Bio
Lomu was part of a dominant offensive line in high school, winning back to back state championships in Arizona. Despite getting offers from powerhouse schools like Michigan, Florida, Oregon, USC, and Tennessee, he ultimately landed in Utah. After redshirting his first year on campus, Lomu took over the starting left tackle job as a redshirt freshman in 2024. He started all 12 games for the Utes at left tackle in 2024 and in 2025, vastly improving his pass protection numbers year to year. His zero sacks and eight total pressures allowed in 2025 earned him First Team All-Big 12 honors.
Strengths/Weaknesses
Lomu has the size teams look for at tackle (6’6”, 310 lbs) and the athleticism that can really set him apart. He is incredibly quick out of his stance, has violent punches, and his strong hands allow him to lock down defenders once he gets a hold of their chest plate. Lomu’s footwork and balance are also very good, especially in pass protection, and he has the football IQ to process stunts, twists, and blitzes without issue. He also has the athleticism to pull in the run game, something many tackles lack at his size.
Lomu is a little light for most teams’ liking, though he has the frame to add some functional weight and strength. He also leaves a lot to be desired in the run game. For a player with his athletic traits, you’d like to see much more consistency in creating movement off the snap and finishing blocks. He is absolutely not a road-grader type of player, and stronger defenders have been able to get the better of Lomu against the run.
Projection
Lomu has been in the conversation as a first round pick for a while, along with fellow Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano. While Lomu has a long way to go in the run game, he has the frame and ability to greatly improve in that area. Combine that with the athletic traits and pass blocking polish he already has, and it’s easy to see why teams would take him in the mid to late first round.
The Panthers have some decisions to make at offensive tackle, especially after the knee injury to Icky Ekwonu. Lomu is the type of player the Panthers could plug in at left tackle until Icky is fully recovered. While the run game to the left side might suffer a bit, Damien Lewis should be able to help the rookie find his footing. After Icky returns, the Panthers could move Ekwonu inside to guard if needed or use Lomu as the primary swing tackle off the bench. I would also love to see Lomu as the “third tight end” in jumbo packages. His athleticism to get to the second level could be fun to watch. After Taylor Moton retires (and/or is cut for cap space) next year, Icky could slide over to right tackle and let Lomu man the blindside full time.
What do you think, Panthers fans? If Caleb Lomu is available when the Panthers select in the 2026 NFL Draft, should they take him? Sound off in the comments!
