Inside the Patriots’ draft room call with Caleb Lomu after Day 1 pick

Satisfaction emanated from all around the New England Patriots’ conference room once the decision was made to select Utah left tackle Caleb Lomu with the No. 28 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf was the man that first delivered the news to Lomu, informing him of the franchise’s decision to trade up from the No. 31 overall pick to No. 28 overall in order to select him.

Additionally, Patriots coach Mike Vrabel congratulated Lomu and let him know just how excited the team is to have him on board.

“Congratulations! We’re excited to have you,” Vrabel said. “I hope you’re with your family, and you’re enjoying this, and we can’t wait to get you here and give you a chance to help the football team.”

The Patriots approach the 2026 NFL season with Morgan Moses nearing retirement. Moses declared that he’d return to New England in 2026, but his future beyond that remains uncertain.

Lomu gives Vrabel, along with Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, an offensive lineman projected to be a swing tackle for the team. Not only will Lomu be fitting to play behind starting left tackle Will Campbell next season, but he’s also expected to potentially help the team on the right side in a role that has the chance to become his in short order once Moses retires.

The Patriots liked what they saw from Lomu at Utah, owner Robert Kraft included, and it showed once they informed the 21-year-old tackle of their decision to select him prior to him hearing his name get called by commissioner Roger Goodell on Day 1 of the draft.

Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.