The New England Patriots have made a major move in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, trading up to select Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu with the No. 28 overall pick, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
New England reportedly struck a deal with the Buffalo Bills to secure the selection and land the 6-foot-6, 313-pound lineman. Lomu enters the league following a dominant collegiate career with the Utes, where he earned First-Team All-Big 12 honors in 2025. Most notably, the highly athletic tackle did not allow a single sack over 24 starts at left tackle during his final two seasons in college.
The move represents a clear commitment by the Patriots front office to prioritize the protection of young quarterback Drake Maye. By trading back into the first round, the Patriots have secured a cornerstone player for their offensive line who was widely regarded by scouts as one of the most mobile and technically sound prospects in the 2026 class.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Sources & Original Reporting
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