Patriots draft results: Meet New England’s rookie class

TL;DR

The New England Patriots selected offensive tackle Caleb Lomu with the 31st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This marks the beginning of their rookie class, which includes nine remaining picks after a trade up.

Key points

Patriots selected OT Caleb Lomu with the 31st overall pick
Lomu started 24 games at the University of Utah
Patriots have nine picks remaining after trading up

New England PatriotsBuffalo BillsNFL Draft 2026Caleb Lomu

FOXBOROUGH, MA - DECEMBER 01: Retro Patriots helmet featuring the old Pat Patriot logo during a game between the New England Patriots and the Buffalo Bills on December 1, 2022, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The 2026 NFL Draft is underway, and it took a while before the New England Patriots sprung into action. Entering the event with the 31st overall pick in hand, the reigning AFC champions were among the last teams to make a selection on Thursday night even after trading up a few spots. Their target? Offensive tackle Caleb Lomu, the first member of a 2026 rookie class that looks as follows: **1-28 OT Caleb Lomu (Utah):** Offensive tackle was one of the biggest needs on the Patriots’ roster heading into the draft, and they wasted little time addressing it. They did so by picking an impressive athlete who started 24 games at the University of Utah over the last two seasons. Caleb Lomu still has some work to do particularly as a run blocker, but he is a natural athlete who has the skillset to develop into Morgan Moses’ heir at the right tackle position. With him and 2025 first-round pick Will Campbell in the fold, New England has its long-term bookends. | News | | | The Patriots originally entered the draft as the owners of 11 total picks. Following Thursday’s trade up in Round 1, they are left with nine combined picks between Friday and Saturday.

Q&A

Who did the New England Patriots draft in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The New England Patriots drafted offensive tackle Caleb Lomu with the 31st overall pick.

What position does Caleb Lomu play and where did he play college football?

Caleb Lomu is an offensive tackle who played college football at the University of Utah.

How many total picks do the Patriots have left after their trade up in the draft?

After trading up in Round 1, the Patriots have nine picks remaining in the 2026 NFL Draft.