The New England Patriots selected offensive tackle Caleb Lomu with the 28th overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
They traded the No. 31 overall pick and No. 125 pick to the Buffalo Bills to move up the draft board and make the selection on Thursday night. With the move, the Patriots managed to come out of the draft with one of the seven best offensive tackles on the board.
Many believe there to be a massive drop-off at the offensive tackle position outside of the seven players drafted on Day 1.
Lomu is an accomplished offensive lineman and was an All-Big 12 First-Team selection last season. Granted, he can use more size, but he has the length and technique to hold his own right out of the gates at the next level. He is a left tackle expected to move over to the right side in New England.
Veteran offensive tackle Morgan Moses is currently the starter, but at 35 years old, the Patriots were clearly in a position to look toward the future at the right tackle position. Look no further than Lomu, who has the potential to be a long-time starter in New England.
The offensive line position is not one that has a ton of glitz and glamour attached to it. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the reaction to the pick was mixed. Keep in mind, the Patriots selected offensive tackle Will Campbell with the No. 4 overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Here’s how fans reacted to the team picking Lomu on Thursday:
The New England Patriots select Caleb Lomu
“This is AWESOME” ~ @BostonConnr#PMSDraftSpectacularhttps://t.co/Wwi6kCuLRppic.twitter.com/t6ggsYSNrt
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 24, 2026
Was surprised Patriots draft pick Caleb Lomu lasted as long as he did. Good athlete with potential to play either tackle spot. Doesn’t turn 22 until Dec. 23, and he needs to get stronger, so he’s ideal to sit for a year as the swing tackle. Really good tape against NYJ top pick…
— Greg A. Bedard (@GregABedard) April 24, 2026
“The Patriots may bump Will Campbell down to Guard because of his arm length”
– @housh84 suggests the Patriots drafting Caleb Lomu may have Will Campbell playing a different position this season
WE ARE STILL LIVE RIGHT NOW ➡️ https://t.co/VgPAc0vVARpic.twitter.com/QvnwAAbQ5O
— Speakeasy (@speakeasytlkshw) April 24, 2026
Pats go Caleb Lomu. The run on big o-linemen continues. Would guess he’s development on the right side
— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) April 24, 2026
The Patriots canceled Caleb Lomu’s 30 visit because they didn’t think they’d be able to draft the player. 😭
Happy with the pick. pic.twitter.com/ONHt4Se7bB
— Savage (@Savageboston) April 24, 2026
Will Campbell’s first interaction with new Patriots offensive tackle Caleb Lomu pic.twitter.com/fxcUGfZ4sZ
— Pats Planet 🪐 (@PatsPlanet_) April 24, 2026
Was it really necessary to trade up to get him while giving the Bills an extra pick
— 𝔖𝔬𝔰𝔞 (@TatumCeltics) April 24, 2026
I gotta be honest, I really like this selection, adds to the offensive line depth and there is still some great prospects that suit our needs in days 2 and 3
— William McDonald (@WillMcDLive) April 24, 2026
Weird pick
— Terrence Lawson (@L68413lawr___) April 24, 2026
A lot of people hating the pick but it’s a great pick, getting morgan moses replacement while potentially trading for aj brown for that wr 1. pic.twitter.com/Hz5yiVhxAF
— Mr.Jah (@MrJah06644257) April 24, 2026
Incredible disappointment
— Robert DesVeaux (@mrredsoxpats) April 24, 2026
Most fans won’t understand how fantastic of a pick this is till the playoff’s.
— Mr Love (@AlexisJ20642052) April 24, 2026
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Twitter reacts to Patriots trading up to draft OT Caleb Lomu