The New England Patriots offensive line was dismantled by the Seattle Seahawks pass rush in the Super Bowl, and they could look to bolster the group through the NFL Draft.
ESPN’s Field Yates predicted the Patriots would use the 31st overall pick on Caleb Lomu from the University of Utah. He can play both tackle and guard, but has started 24 games at left tackle in the last two seasons.
Mike Vrabel has already said that Will Campbell is the Patriots’ left tackle and they are not going to have him change positions. So how would Lomu fit in? Well, he could slot in as a guard and take over as the right tackle when Morgan Moses retires or leaves.
“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,” Yates wrote on Wednesday.
ESPN’s draft experts Mel Kiper Jr., Matt Miller, Steve Muench, Jordan Reid and Yates all rank Lomu as a top-five tackle in this draft class. Reid ranks him No. 2 and Muench and Miller both have him at No. 3.
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Drake Maye was sacked six times in the Super Bowl alone. He was sacked 21 times in the playoffs, which set a new NFL record. Maye was the MVP runner-up, but the Patriots need to protect him.
Keeping hits off Maye should be the Patriots’ top priority. Lomu was an All-Big 12 First Team selection and allowed just eight pressures and six hurries last season. He would be a great addition to a needy unit.
Lomu could fly up draft boards in the next few weeks, but the Patriots should still prioritize adding to the offensive line even if he is not there when they pick in the first round.
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