Patriots trade with Bills, move up in NFL Draft to select Caleb Lomu

After much of the national draft debate revolved around whether or not the Patriots would fall out of the first round, New England chose Trade up. Ultimately, offensive tackle Caleb Lomu was selected 28th overall out of Utah.

The Patriots sent the 31st pick and 125th pick (4th overall) to the AFC East rival Bills in exchange for the 28th pick.

Lomu, 21, entered the draft after starting two years for the Utes. He earned first-team All-Big 12 honors in 2025, helping Utah go 11-2.

He was a 6-foot-6, 313-pound lineman Described by NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zuerlein However, it is “still in the early stages of its development.” But Lomu is seen as having huge potential.

“His game can improve quickly with strength gains and additional training,” Zierlein added.

It remains to be seen exactly where Lomu plays on the offensive line in 2026. Right tackle could be his place going forward, although the short-term future of 2025 starter Morgan Moses has yet to be determined. New England front office executive Elliott Wolff said earlier in April that “anticipationIt was for the 35-year-old Moses to return to Foxboro next season.

However, if Lomu is viewed as having a developmental perspective, having Musa back for another season could be very beneficial.