New England Patriots
“The 6-foot-6, 304-pounder is already a solid pass protector who did not allow a single sack in 2025.”
The New England Patriots are going to need some reinforcements across the offensive line after a disastrous end to the 2025 season.
Despite making it all the way to Super Bowl LX, New England’s O-line was shredded by the Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium — with Drake Maye sacked six times and hit on another 11 occasions.
While rookie left tackle Will Campbell bore the brunt of the criticism following Sunday’s 29-13 loss, the Patriots’ entire offensive line left a lot to be desired on such a major stage.
As such, it should come as little surprise that several 2026 NFL mock drafts have tabbed the Patriots as utilizing their first-round pick (No. 31 overall) on help at the line of scrimmage.
ESPN’s Field Yates predicted in a new piece that New England will use pick No. 31 to select offensive tackle Caleb Lomu from the University of Utah. Lomu has spent the last two seasons playing at left tackle, but could also kick into the interior as a guard after also logging reps at that position with the Utes.
“The Patriots’ run to the Super Bowl was impressive, but it underscored the team’s need to beef up quarterback Drake Maye’s protection,” Yates wrote. “Lomu, who took over at left tackle for Utah in 2024 when Fano moved over to the right side, could slide in at tackle or guard for New England.
“(Note: I am a firm believer that the Patriots should stay fully committed to Will Campbell at left tackle, as coach Mike Vrabel has already stated will be the case.) Lomu needs to further develop his strength, but the 6-foot-6, 304-pounder is already a solid pass protector who did not allow a single sack in 2025.”
As Yates noted, there’s been plenty of discourse over Campbell’s struggles in the postseason and whether or not New England might be on the prowl for another left tackle moving forward.
Of course, New England likely won’t be able to add a franchise left tackle with the 31st pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, nor do teams often trade away their top tackles during the offseason.
Speaking on Tuesday, Mike Vrabel voiced support for Campbell — stating that New England doesn’t plan on moving the 22-year-old lineman off of left tackle moving forward.
“When you sign up to play left tackle, you sign up to play corner, you sign up to play quarterback, you sign up to be head coach, you get judged. You get scrutinized,” Vrabel said. “Will’s 22 years old. He’s our left tackle. He’ll get better. He’ll get stronger.
“Moments where he played well. Moments where he blocked the guy. There are plays he’d like to have back. We’re not moving Will to guard or center or to tight end or anywhere else.”
Even if Campbell remains in place at left tackle, a versatile lineman like Lomu could come in handy for New England.
He could eventually slot in at right tackle for Morgan Moses — who will turn 35 years old in March — or could also replace Jared Wilson at left guard if needed.
While it remains to be seen if Lomu will be available at No. 31, the Patriots should make the offensive line a priority by the time the 2026 NFL Draft arrives in April.
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