New England Patriots rookie first-round draft pick Caleb Lomu was highly touted coming out of college, but there was at least one concern that appeared common theme throughout the pre-draft process.
The talent and athleticism are all there for Lomu, but according to NBC Sports’ Phil Perry, there are some real concerns with his wiring.
“I think there are some concerns about the wiring, from what I’ve been told about this player,” Perry said on Patriots Daily Podcast. “I’d think you’d prefer a little bit different football makeup. Just about anybody that I’ve talked to that has met him, or interviewed him, scouted him this offseason says the same thing. …That’s kind of the consensus on Caleb Lomu, but it could still be a great pick at 28 overall.”
With that said, Perry also added that Lomu’s issues are believed to be coachable. So it isn’t something certain to doom him in the NFL.
“I talked to an offensive coordinator the week of the draft, a coordinator for a team that took a tackle, early. He basically said, ‘We can coach effort and finish. We can’t coach athleticism,'” said Perry.
The Patriots clearly thought highly of Lomu.
They traded up from the 31st overall selection to the 28th overall pick with the Buffalo Bills. Executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf made it clear that they were very excited to get the player, as evidenced by their willingness to move up in the draft.
“He’s young, he’s experienced, he’s athletic, he’s a great kid,” Wolf said, via Patriots Wire’s Sophie Weller. “Frankly, I was a little surprised that he was still available, and that’s why we decided to move up a little bit. We’re excited to add him.”
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: One concern has reportedly been common with Patriots rookie Caleb Lomu