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NFL
Insider Says Patriots 1st-Round Pick Isn't 'Wired' The Right Way
TL;DR
The New England Patriots selected offensive tackle Caleb Lomu in the first round of the draft, but an insider claims he isn't 'wired' the right way for the NFL.
Key points
- Patriots selected Caleb Lomu at the end of the first round
- Lomu is a 21-year-old, 6-foot-6 offensive tackle
- An insider raised concerns about Lomu's mental readiness
- Patriots traded a fourth-round pick to move up in the draft
Caleb LomuNew England Patriots
Utah Utes offensive lineman Caleb Lomu
Insider Says Patriots 1st-Round Pick Isn't 'Wired' The Right Way originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New England Patriots could have gotten away with one of the steals of the draft when 21-year-old, 6-foot-6 offensive tackle Caleb Lomu fell to them at the end of the first round.
The Patriots were largely considered to be out of the tackle pool due to their 31st overall selection. It took a fourth-round pick, but New England was able to move up and secure the last first-round tackle on the board in Lomu.
Insider Phil Perry thinks the selection was the best value pick that New England made all weekend; however, he isn't sold on the young man out of Utah.
"I think there are concerns about the 'wiring,'" Perry said. "From what I've been told about this player, I think you'd prefer a little bit different 'football make-up.'"
As a former Division I football player myself, this seems to be about as bad a thing you can say about a player. Clearly, Perry was not looking to offend, but to insinuate that your offensive lineman is not tough enough for the league is insulting at the very least.
Patriots fans got a little taste of what Perry may mean on draft night when Lomu was seen dancing in his draft graphic, while other players scowled and flexed (for whatever that is worth).
"Just about anybody that I’ve talked to, that has met him, or interviewed him, or scouted him this offseason, says the same thing... that's kind of the consensus on Caleb Lomu," Perry said.
Q&A
Why did the Patriots select Caleb Lomu in the first round?
The Patriots selected Caleb Lomu because he was considered a steal at the end of the first round, despite their low draft position.
What does it mean that Caleb Lomu isn't 'wired' the right way?
The phrase suggests that there may be concerns about Lomu's mental or emotional readiness for the challenges of the NFL.
How did the Patriots manage to draft Lomu despite their 31st overall pick?
The Patriots traded a fourth-round pick to move up and secure Lomu, who was the last first-round tackle available.
